fluke

C2 Topic:General Vocabulary

US /fluk/ UK /fluːk/ See IPA manual

Freq #16804

Meanings

1

noun
A lucky or improbable occurrence that could probably never be repeated.

We've classified by a fluke; actually, the first goal was just a total fluke.
2

verb
To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.

I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
3

verb
To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.

He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.
4

noun
A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the class Trematoda, related to tapeworms (class Cestoda).

The man became infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Word family

Derived forms flatwormsflukelikeflukewormflukicideothersail-fluke

Related forms flukeyfluky

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

liver fluke
a parasitic flatworm that lives in the liver or bile ducts

Noun + noun

Etymology

Mid-16th century in the sense of “anchor blade”. Probably the same word as in etymology 2 above or else a related word for something flat (cf. Proto-Germanic *flakaz). A derivation from Middle Low German vlögel (“wing”), from Proto-Germanic *flugilaz, seems phonetically impossible. If anything, related vlōch, vlucht (“flight”, both also “wing”) or even *vlunke (modern Low German Flunk (“wing, pinion”)) are more plausible candidates. Note that the kind of whale's fin is called Fluke in contemporary German, but this is likely from English.

Topics

General Vocabulary

External links

# fluke

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun, verb
**IPA (US):** /fluk/
**IPA (UK):** /fluːk/
**Frequency rank:** 16804

## Meanings
1. A lucky or improbable occurrence that could probably never be repeated.
2. To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
3. To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
4. A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the class Trematoda, related to tapeworms (class Cestoda).

## Examples
- We've classified by a fluke; actually, the first goal was just a total fluke.
- I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
- He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.
- The man became infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.

## Derived Forms
- flatworms
- flukelike
- flukeworm
- flukicide
- other
- sail-fluke

## Related Forms
- flukey
- fluky

## Etymology
Mid-16th century in the sense of “anchor blade”. Probably the same word as in etymology 2 above or else a related word for something flat (cf. Proto-Germanic *flakaz). A derivation from Middle Low German vlögel (“wing”), from Proto-Germanic *flugilaz, seems phonetically impossible. If anything, related vlōch, vlucht (“flight”, both also “wing”) or even *vlunke (modern Low German Flunk (“wing, pinion”)) are more plausible candidates. Note that the kind of whale's fin is called Fluke in contemporary German, but this is likely from English.

## Topics
- General Vocabulary

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