fl -abbr
- flanker
- floor
- florin
- flourished
- fluid
FL -abbr
- Florida
- focal length
- foreign language
Fla -abbr
- Florida
flab ['flab] -n
- soft flabby body tissue
flab·ber·gast ['fla-bər-,gast] -vt, adv
- to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder : dumbfound
flab·by ['fla-bē] -adj, adv, n
- lacking resilience or firmness : flaccid
- weak and ineffective : feeble
flac·cid ['fla-səd also 'flak-səd] -adj, n, adv
- not firm or stiff
- lacking normal or youthful firmness
- deficient in turgor
- lacking vigor or force
flack ['flak] -n
- one who provides publicity
- press agent
flack ['flak] -n
(variant of flak)
- antiaircraft guns
- the bursting shells fired from flak
- criticism, opposition
fla·con ['fla-kən, -,kän; fla-'kōⁿ] -n
- a small usu. ornamental bottle with a tight cap
flag ['flag also 'flāg] -n
- : any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: as
- iris
- a wild iris
- sweet flag
- a usu. rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration
- the tail of some dogs (as a setter or hound)
- the long hair fringing a dog's tail
- the tail of a deer
- something used like a flag to signal or attract attention
- one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value
- : something represented by a flag: as
- flagship
- an admiral functioning in his office of command
- nationality
- the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft
- to signal with or as if with a flag
- to signal to stop often used with down
- to mark or identify with or as if with a flag
- flagged potential problems in the proposal
- to call a penalty on : penalize
- a lineman flagged for being offside
- to hang loose without stiffness
- to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless
- to decline in interest, attraction, or value
- a hard evenly stratified stone that splits into flat pieces suitable for paving
- a piece of such stone
- to lay (as a pavement) with flags
flag day -n
- June 14 observed in various states in commemoration of the adoption in 1777 of the official U.S. flag
- a day on which charitable contributions are solicited in exchange for small flags
fla·gel·lant ['fla-jə-lənt, flə-'je-lənt] -n, adj
- a person who scourges himself or herself as a public penance
- a person who responds sexually to being beaten by or to beating another person
fla·gel·lar [flə-'je-lər, 'fla-jə-lər] -adj
- of or relating to a flagellum
flag·el·late ['fla-jə-,lāt] -vt
- whip, scourge
- to drive or punish as if by whipping
fla·gel·late ['fla-jə-lət, -,lāt; flə-'je-lət] -adj
- having flagella
- shaped like a flagellum
- of, relating to, or caused by flagellates
flagellate [same as ²] -n
- a flagellate protozoan or alga
flag·el·la·tion [,fla-jə-'lā-shən] -n
- the act or practice of flagellating
- the practice of a flagellant
fla·gel·lin [flə-'je-lən] -n
- a polymeric protein that is the chief constituent of bacterial flagella and that determines the specificity of the flagellum in eliciting an immune response
fla·gel·lum [flə-'je-ləm] -n
- : any of various elongated filiform appendages of plants or animals: as
- the slender distal part of an antenna
- a long tapering process that projects singly or in groups from a cell and is the primary organ of motion of many microorganisms
fla·geo·let [,fla-jə-'let, -'lā] -n
- a small fipple flute resembling the treble recorder
flageolet -n
- a green kidney bean used in French cuisine
flag football -n
- a variation of football in which a player must remove a flag attached to the ballcarrier's clothing to stop the play
flagging -adj, adv
- languid, weak
- becoming progressively less : dwindling
fla·gi·tious [flə-'ji-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- marked by scandalous crime or vice : villainous
flag·man ['flag-mən] -n
- a person who signals with a flag
flag of convenience
- registry of a merchant ship under a foreign flag in order to profit from less restrictive regulations
flag officer -n
- any of the officers in the navy or coast guard above captain
flag of truce
- a white flag carried or displayed to an enemy as an invitation to conference or parley
flag·on ['fla-gən] -n
- a large usu. metal or pottery vessel (as for wine) with handle and spout and often a lid
- a large bulging short-necked bottle
- the contents of a flagon
flag·pole ['flag-,pōl] -n
- a pole on which to raise a flag
fla·grance ['flā-grən(t)s also 'fla-] -n
- flagrancy
fla·gran·cy ['flā-grən(t)-sē also 'fla-] -n
- the quality or state of being flagrant
flag rank -n
- the rank of a flag officer
fla·grant ['flā-grənt also 'fla-] -adj, adv
- fiery hot : burning
- conspicuously offensive
- so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality
- flagrant violations of human rights
flagrante delicto -adv
- in flagrante delicto
flag·ship ['flag-,ship] -n
- the ship that carries the commander of a fleet or subdivision of a fleet and flies the commander's flag
- the finest, largest, or most important one of a series, network, or chain
- the company's flagship store
flag·staff [-,staf] -n
- a staff on which a flag is hoisted
flag·stick [-,stik] -n
- a staff for a flag marking the location of the cup on a golf putting green
flag·stone [-,stōn] -n
- flag
flag stop -n
- a point at which a vehicle in public transportation stops only on prearrangement or signal
flagwav·er ['flag-,wā-vər] -n
- one who is intensely and conspicuously patriotic
- one who waves a flag in signaling
- a song intended to rouse patriotic sentiment
flagwav·ing [-viŋ] -n
- passionate appeal to patriotic or partisan sentiment : chauvinism
flail ['flāl] -n
- a hand threshing implement consisting of a wooden handle at the end of which a stouter and shorter stick is so hung as to swing freely
- to strike with or as if with a flail
- to move, swing, or beat as if wielding a flail
- flail ing a club to drive away the insects
- to thresh (grain) with a flail
- to move, swing, or beat like a flail
flair ['fler] -n
- a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : talent
- inclination, tendency
- a uniquely attractive quality : style
- fashionable dresses with a flair all their own
flak ['flak] -n
- antiaircraft guns
- the bursting shells fired from flak
- criticism, opposition
flake ['flāk] -n
- a small loose mass or bit
- a thin flattened piece or layer : chip
- cocaine
- flake tool
- to cover with or as if with flakes
- to form or break into flakes : chip
- to separate into flakes
- to peel in flakes
- a stage, platform, or tray for drying fish or produce
- a person who is flaky : oddball
flake out -vi
- to fall asleep
- to be overcome esp. by exhaustion
flake tool -n
- a Stone-Age tool that is a flake of stone struck off from a larger piece called also flake
flak jacket -n
- a jacket containing metal plates for protection against flak
- a bulletproof vest called also flak vest
flaky ['flā-kē] -adj, n
- consisting of flakes
- tending to flake
- markedly odd or unconventional : offbeat, wacky
flam ['flam] -n
- a drumbeat of two strokes of which the first is a very quick grace note
flam·be [fläm-'bā, fläⁿ-] -adj
- dressed or served covered with flaming liquor usu. used postpositively
flambe -vt
- to douse with a liquor (as brandy, rum, or cognac) and ignite
flam·beau ['flam-,bō] -n
- a flaming torch
- torch
flam·boy·ance [flam-'bȯi-ən(t)s] -n
- the quality or state of being flamboyant
flam·boy·an·cy [-ən(t)-sē] -n
- flamboyance
flam·boy·ant [-ənt] -adj, adv
- characterized by waving curves suggesting flames
- marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior
flamboyant -n
- royal poinciana
flame ['flām] -n
- the glowing gaseous part of a fire
- a state of blazing combustion
- : a condition or appearance suggesting a flame or burning: as
- burning zeal or passion
- a strong reddish-orange color
- brilliance, brightness
- sweetheart
- the memory, reputation, or beliefs of a deceased person
- memory
- an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message
- to burn with a flame : blaze
- to burst or break out violently or passionately
- to send an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message
- to shine brightly : glow
- color flaming up in her cheeks
- to send or convey by means of flame
- flame a message by signal fires
- : to treat or affect with flame: as
- to sear, sterilize, or destroy by fire
- flambe
- to send an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message to or about
flame cell -n
- a hollow cell that has a tuft of vibratile cilia and is part of some lower invertebrate excretory systems (as of a platyhelminthic worm)
fla·men ['flā-mən] -n
- a priest esp. in ancient Rome
fla·men·co [flə-'meŋ-(,)kō] -n
- a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Andalusian Gypsies
- a dance in flamenco style
- music or song suitable to accompany a flamenco dance
flame·out ['flām-,au̇t] -n
- the unintentional cessation of operation of a jet airplane engine
- a sudden downfall, failure, or cessation
- a person whose successful career ends abruptly
flame out -vi
- to fail spectacularly and esp. prematurely
flame photometer -n, adj
- a spectrophotometer in which a spray of metallic salts in solution is vaporized in a very hot flame and subjected to quantitative analysis by measuring the intensities of the spectral lines of the metals present
flame·proof ['flām-,prüf] -adj, vt, n
- resistant to damage or burning on contact with flame
flameretardant -adj
- made or treated so as to resist burning
flame stitch -n
- a needlepoint stitch that produces a pattern resembling flames
flame·throw·er [-,thrō-ər] -n
- a device that expels from a nozzle a burning stream of liquid or semiliquid fuel under pressure
- a pitcher who throws hard : a fastball pitcher
flame tree -n
- : any of several trees or shrubs with showy scarlet or yellow flowers: as
- a tree ( Brachychiton acerifoliumof the family Sterculiaceae) of southern Australia with panicles of brilliant scarlet flowers
- royal poinciana
flaming -adj, adv
- resembling or suggesting a flame in color, brilliance, or wavy outline
- being on fire : blazing
- intense, passionate
- used as an intensive
fla·min·go [flə-'miŋ-(,)gō] -n
- any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usu. rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills
flam·ma·bil·i·ty [,fla-mə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- ability to support combustion
- a high capacity for combustion
flam·ma·ble ['fla-mə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly
flan ['flan, 'fläⁿn] -n
- an open pie containing any of various sweet or savory fillings
- custard baked with a caramel glaze
- the metal disk of a coin, token, or medal as distinguished from the design and lettering stamped on it
fla·neur [flä-'nər] -n
- an idle man-about-town
flange ['flanj] -n
- a rib or rim for strength, for guiding, or for attachment to another object
- a projecting edge of cloth used for decoration on clothing
- a jacket with flange shoulders
- to furnish with a flange
flank ['flaŋk] -n
- the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip
- the side of a quadruped
- a cut of meat from this part of an animal
- side
- the right or left of a formation
- the area along either side of a heraldic shield
- to be situated at the side of
- to be situated on both sides of
- a road flank ed with linden trees
- to place something on each side of
- to protect a flank of
- to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)
flan·ken ['fläŋ-kən] -n
- beef flank cooked esp. by boiling
flank·er ['flaŋ-kər] -n
- a football player stationed wide of the formation slightly behind the line of scrimmage as a pass receiver called also flanker back
flank steak -n
- a pear-shaped muscle of the beef flank
- a steak cut from this muscle
flan·nel ['fla-nᵊl] -n, adj
- a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface
- a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel
- a stout cotton fabric usu. napped on one side
- flannel underwear
- outer garments of flannel
- men's trousers
- washcloth
- flattering or evasive talk
- nonsense, rubbish
flan·nel·ette [,fla-nə-'let] -n
- a lightweight cotton flannel
flan·nel·mouthed ['fla-nᵊl-,mau̇tht, -,mau̇thd] -adj
- speaking indistinctly
- speaking in a tricky or ingratiating way
flap ['flap] -n
- a stroke with something broad : slap
- something broad and flat used for striking
- : something that is broad, limber, or flat and usu. thin and that hangs loose or projects freely: as
- a piece on a garment that hangs free
- a part of a book jacket that folds under the book's cover
- a piece of tissue partly severed from its place of origin for use in surgical grafting
- an extended part forming the closure (as of an envelope or carton)
- the motion of something broad and limber (as a sail or wing)
- a movable auxiliary airfoil usu. attached to an airplane wing's trailing edge to increase lift or drag
- a state of excitement or agitation : tizzy, uproar
- something (as an incident or remark) that generates an uproar
- a consonant (as the sound d in ladderand t in latter) characterized by a single rapid contact of the tongue or lower lip against another point in the mouth called also tap
- to beat with or as if with a flap
- to toss sharply : fling
- to move or cause to move in flaps
- to sway loosely usu. with a noise of striking and esp. when moved by wind
- to beat or pulsate wings or something suggesting wings
- to progress by flapping
- to flutter ineffectively
- to talk foolishly and persistently
flap·doo·dle ['flap-,dü-dᵊl] -n
- nonsense
flap·jack [-,jak] -n
- pancake
flap·pa·ble ['fla-pə-bəl] -adj
- easily upset
flap·per ['fla-pər] -n
- something used in flapping or striking
- one that flaps
- flipper
- a young woman
- a young woman of the period of World War I and the following decade who showed freedom from conventions (as in conduct)
flap·py ['fla-pē] -adj
- flapping or tending to flap
flare ['fler] -n
- a fire or blaze of light used esp. to signal, illuminate, or attract attention
- a device or composition used to produce such a flare
- an unsteady glaring light
- solar flare
- a sudden increase and decrease in the brightness of a star often amounting to a difference of several magnitudes
- a sudden outburst (as of excitement or anger)
- flare-up
- a spreading outward
- a place or part that spreads
- an area of skin flush
- light resulting from reflection (as between lens surfaces) or an effect of this light (as a fogged or dense area in a photographic negative)
- a short pass in football thrown to a back who is running toward the sideline
- a weakly hit fly ball in baseball
- a flare into short right field
- pants that flare toward the bottom
- to burn with an unsteady flame
- to stream in the wind
- to shine with a sudden light
- a match flare s in the darkness
- to become suddenly excited or angry usu. used with up
- to break out or intensify usu. suddenly or violently often used with up
- to express strong emotion (as anger)
- to open or spread outward
- the pants flare at the bottom
- to display conspicuously
- flaring her scarf to attract attention
- to cause to flare
- the breeze flare s the candle
- to signal with a flare or by flaring
- to burn (a jet of waste gas) in the open air
flareup [-,əp] -n
- a sudden outburst or intensification
- a sudden bursting (as of a smoldering fire) into flame or light
- a sudden outburst of or increase in the symptoms of a disease or condition
flar·ing ['fler-iŋ] -adj, adv
- flaming or as if flaming brightly or unsteadily
- gaudy
- opening or spreading outward
flash ['flash] -vb
- rush, dash used of flowing water
- to break forth in or like a sudden flame or flare
- to appear suddenly
- an idea flash es into her mind
- to move with great speed
- to break forth or out so as to make a sudden display
- the sun flash ed from behind a cloud
- to act or speak vehemently and suddenly esp. in anger
- to give off light suddenly or in transient bursts
- to glow or gleam esp. with animation or passion
- her eyes flash ed with anger
- to change suddenly or violently into vapor
- hot water flash ing to steam under reduced pressure
- to expose one's breasts or genitals usu. suddenly and briefly in public
- to have sudden insight often used with on
- splash
- to fill by a sudden inflow of water
- to cause the sudden appearance of (light)
- to cause to burst violently into flame
- to cause (light) to reflect
- to cause (as a mirror) to reflect light
- to cause (a lamp) to flash
- to convey by means of flashes of light
- to make known or cause to appear with great speed
- flash a message on the screen
- to display obtrusively and ostentatiously
- always flash ing a roll of bills
- to expose to view usu. suddenly and briefly
- : to cover with or form into a thin layer: as
- to protect against rain by covering with sheet metal or a substitute
- to coat (as glass) with a thin layer (as of metal or a differently colored glass)
- to subject (an exposed photographic negative or positive) to a supplementary uniform exposure to light before development in order to modify detail or tone
- to expose one's breasts or genitals usu. suddenly and briefly to
- a sudden burst of light
- a movement of a flag in signaling
- a sudden and often brilliant burst
- a brief time
- show, display
- a vulgar ostentatious display
- a showy ostentatious person
- one that attracts notice
- an outstanding athlete
- pizzazz
- thieves' slang
- : something flashed: as
- glimpse, look
- smile
- a first brief news report
- flashlight
- a quick-spreading flame or momentary intense outburst of radiant heat
- flashlight
- a device for producing a flashlight for taking photographs
- rush
- the rapid conversion of a liquid into vapor
- flashy, showy
- of, relating to, or characteristic of flashy people or things
- of, relating to, or characteristic of persons considered social outcasts
- of sudden origin and short duration
- by very brief exposure to an intense altering agent (as heat or cold)
flash·back ['flash-,bak] -n
- a recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)
- interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence
- an instance of flashback
- a past incident recurring vividly in the mind
flash back -vi
- to focus one's mind on or vividly remember a past time or incident usu. used with to
- flashed back to my childhood
- to employ a flashback (as in a film) usu. used with to
flash·board [-,bȯrd] -n
- one or more boards projecting above the top of a dam to increase the depth of the water
flash·bulb [-,bəlb] -n
- an electric bulb that can be used only once to produce a brief and very bright flash for taking photographs
flash card -n
- a card bearing words, numbers, or pictures that is briefly displayed (as by a teacher to a class) usu. as a learning aid
flash·cube ['flash-,kyüb] -n
- a cubical device incorporating four flashbulbs
flash·er ['fla-shər] -n
- : one that flashes: as
- a light (as a traffic signal or automobile light) that flashes to catch attention
- a device for automatically flashing a light
- an exhibitionist who flashes
flash flood -n, vb
- a local flood of great volume and short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity
flashfor·ward ['flash-'fȯr-wərd] -n, vi
- interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or novel) by interjection of events of future occurrence
- an instance of flash-forward
flash·gun [-,gən] -n
- a device for producing a bright flash of light for photography
flash·ing ['fla-shiŋ] -n
- sheet metal used in waterproofing (as at roof valleys or hips or the angle between a chimney and a roof)
flash in the pan
- a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing
- one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless
flash·lamp ['flash-,lamp] -n
- a lamp for producing a brief but intense flash of light (as for taking photographs)
flash·light ['flash-,līt] -n
- a sudden bright artificial light used in taking photographic pictures
- a photograph taken by such a light
- a small battery-operated portable electric light
flash memory -n
- a computer memory chip that retains its data even without a connection to a power source
flash mob -n
- a group of people summoned (as by e-mail or text message) to a designated location at a specified time to perform an indicated action before dispersing
flash·over [-,ō-vər] -n
- an abnormal electrical discharge (as through the air to the ground from a high potential source or between two conducting portions of a structure)
- the sudden spread of flame over an area when it becomes heated to the flash point
flash point -n
- the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame
- a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being
- tinderbox
flash·tube ['flash-,t(y)üb] -n
- a gas discharge tube that produces very brief intense flashes of light and is used esp. in photography
flashy ['fla-shē] -adj, adv, n
- lacking in substance or flavor : insipid
- momentarily dazzling
- superficially attractive or impressive
- ostentatious or showy often beyond the bounds of good taste
- marked by gaudy brightness
flask ['flask, 'fläsk] -n
- : a container often somewhat narrowed toward the outlet and often fitted with a closure: as
- a broad flattened necked vessel used esp. to carry alcoholic beverages on the person
- thermos
flat ['flat] -adj, adv, n
- lying at full length or spread out upon the ground : prostrate
- utterly ruined or destroyed
- resting with a surface against something
- having a continuous horizontal surface
- being or characterized by a horizontal line or tracing without peaks or depressions
- having a relatively smooth or even surface
- arranged or laid out so as to be level or even
- having the major surfaces essentially parallel and distinctly greater than the minor surfaces
- very low and broad
- clearly unmistakable
- not varying : fixed
- having no fraction either lacking or in excess : exact
- not varying significantly throughout its range
- lacking in animation, zest, or vigor : dull
- lacking flavor : tasteless
- lacking effervescence or sparkle
- commercially inactive
- characterized by no significant rise or decline from one period to another
- lacking air : deflated
- dead , discharged
- lowered a half step in pitch
- lower than the proper pitch
- pronounced as in bador bat
- having a low trajectory
- made so as to give little or no spin to the ball
- taut
- uniform in hue or shade
- having little or no illusion of depth
- lacking contrast
- lacking shadows or contours
- free from gloss
- two-dimensional
- of, relating to, or used in competition on the flat
- having a mass such that expansion halts only after infinite time and collapse never occurs
- a level surface of land usu. used in pl.
- a stretch of land without obstacles
- a track or course for a flat race usu. used with the
- has won twice on the flat
- a flat part or surface
- a musical note or tone one half step lower than a specified note or tone
- a character on a line or space of the musical staff indicating a half step drop in pitch
- : something flat: as
- a shallow container for shipping produce
- a shallow box in which seedlings are started
- a flat piece of theatrical scenery
- a shoe or slipper having a flat heel or no heel
- an apartment on one floor
- a deflated tire
- the area to either side of an offensive football formation
- in a flat manner : directly, positively
- in a complete manner : absolutely
- below the proper musical pitch
- without interest charge
- without allowance or charge for accrued interest
- flatten
- to lower in pitch esp. by a half step
- to sing or play below the true pitch
flat·bed ['flat-,bed] -adj
- having a horizontal bed on which the work rests
flatbed -n
- a motortruck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box
flat·boat [-,bōt] -n
- a boat with a flat bottom and square ends used for transportation of bulky freight esp. in shallow waters
flat·car [-,kär] -n
- a railroad freight car without permanent raised sides, ends, or covering
flatcoated retriever ['flat-,kō-təd-] -n
- any of an English breed of medium-sized sporting dogs that have a dense smooth black or liver-colored coat
flatearth·er [,flat-'ər-thər] -n
- a person who believes that the planet Earth is flat
flat·fish ['flat-,fish] -n
- any of an order (Heterosomata) of marine typically bottom-dwelling bony fishes (as the halibuts, flounders, turbots, and soles) that as adults swim on one side of the laterally compressed body and have both eyes on the upper side
flat·foot [-,fu̇t (always so in sense 3), ,flat-'] -n
- a condition in which the arch of the instep is flattened so that the entire sole rests upon the ground
- a foot affected with flatfoot
- police officer
- a patrolman walking a regular beat
- sailor
flatfoot·ed ['flat-,fu̇-təd, ,flat-'] -adj, adv, n
- affected with flatfoot
- walking with a dragging or shambling gait
- firm and well balanced on the feet
- free from reservation : forthright
- had an honest flatfooted way of saying a thing
- not ready : unprepared used chiefly in the phrase catch one flat-footed
- proceeding in a plodding or unimaginative way : pedestrian
flatfooted -adv
- in an open and determined manner : flatly
- with the feet flat on a surface (as the ground)
flathat ['flat-,hat] -vi, n
- to fly low in an airplane in a reckless manner : hedgehop
Flat·head [-,hed] -n
- a member of any of several No. American Indian peoples that practiced head-flattening
- an American Indian people of Montana
- any of a family (Platycephalidae) of mostly Australian and East Indian marine food fishes that resemble sculpins
flat·head catfish ['flat-,hed-] -n
- a large yellowish catfish ( Pylodictis olivaris) of the central and Gulf states of the U.S. with the sides and back heavily mottled with brown or black
flat·iron ['flat-,ī(-ə)rn] -n
- iron
flat·land ['flat-,land] -n
- a region in which the land is predominantly flat usu. used in pl.
- land that lacks significant variation in elevation
flat·let ['flat-lət] -n
- efficiency apartment
flat·line ['flat-,līn] -vi, n
- to register on an electronic monitor as having no brain waves or heartbeat
- die
- to be in a state of no progress or advancement
- to come to an end
flat·ling ['flat-liŋ] -adv
- with a flat side or edge
flat·mate ['flat-,māt] -n
- one of two or more persons sharing the same flat
flatout ['flat-,au̇t] -adj
- being or going at maximum effort or speed
- out-and-out, downright
flat out -adv
- in a blunt and direct manner : openly
- called flat out for revolution -- Nat'l Review
- at top speed or peak performance
- the car does 180 m.p.h. flat out
- absolutely, downright usu. used as an intensive
- is just flat-out confusing
flatpan·el ['flat-'pa-nᵊl] -adj
- relating to or being a thin flat video display (as for a portable computer)
flatpicking ['flat-,pi-kiŋ] -n
- a method of playing a stringed instrument (as a guitar) with a plectrum held between the thumb and index finger
flat race -n
- a race (as for horses) on a level course without obstacles (as hurdles)
flat tax -n
- proportional tax
flat·ten ['fla-tᵊn] -vb, n
- : to make flat: as
- to make level or smooth
- to knock down
- to defeat decisively
- to make dull or uninspired often used with out
- to make (as paint) lusterless
- to stabilize esp. at a lower level
- : to become flat or flatter: as
- to become dull or spiritless
- to extend in or into a flat position or form
- to become uniform or stabilized often at a new lower level usu. used with out
flat·ter ['fla-tər] -vb, n, adv
- to praise excessively esp. from motives of self-interest
- beguile
- to encourage or gratify esp. with the assurance that something is right
- I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct
- to portray too favorably
- the portrait flatter s him
- to display to advantage
- candlelight often flatter s the face
- to use flattery
flatter -n
- one that flattens
- a flat-faced swage used in smithing
flat·tery ['fla-tə-rē] -n
- the act or practice of flattering
- something that flatters
- insincere or excessive praise
- a pleasing self-deception
flat·top ['flat-,täp] -n
- : something with a flat or flattened upper surface: as
- aircraft carrier
- a modified crew cut
flat·u·lence ['fla-chə-lən(t)s] -n
- the quality or state of being flatulent
- flatus expelled through the anus
flat·u·len·cy [-lən(t)-sē] -n
- flatulence
flat·u·lent [-lənt] -adj, adv
- likely to cause gas
- marked by or affected with gas generated in the intestine or stomach
- pompously or portentously overblown
fla·tus ['flā-təs] -n
- gas generated in the stomach or bowels
flat·ware ['flat-,wer] -n
- relatively flat tableware
- eating and serving utensils (as knives, forks, and spoons)
flat·ways [-,wāz] -adv
- flatwise
flat·wise [-,wīz] -adv
- with the flat surface presented in some expressed or implied position
flat·work [-,wərk] -n
- laundry that can be finished mechanically and does not require hand ironing
flat·worm [-,wərm] -n
- any of a phylum (Platyhelminthes) of soft-bodied usu. much flattened acoelomate worms (as the planarians, flukes, and tapeworms) called also platyhelminth
flaunt ['flȯnt, 'flänt] -vb, n, adv, adj
- to display or obtrude oneself to public notice
- a great flaunt ing crowd -- Charles Dickens
- to wave or flutter showily
- the flag flaunt s in the breeze
- to display ostentatiously or impudently : parade
- flaunt ing his superiority
- to treat contemptuously
- flaunt ed the rules -- Louis Untermeyer
flau·ta ['flau̇-tə] -n
- a usu. corn tortilla rolled tightly around a filling (as of meat) and deep-fried
flau·tist ['flȯ-tist, 'flau̇-] -n
- flutist
fla·va·none ['flā-və-,nōn] -n
- any of various aromatic ketones that often occur in plants as glycosides and that constitute a subset of the flavonoids
fla·vin ['flā-vən] -n
- any of a class of yellow water-soluble nitrogenous pigments derived from isoalloxazine and occurring in the form of nucleotides as coenzymes of flavoproteins
- riboflavin
flavin adenine dinucleotide -n
- a coenzyme C 27H 33N 9O 15P 2of some flavoproteins
fla·vine ['flā-,vēn] -n
- any of a series of yellow acridine dyes (as acriflavine) having antiseptic properties
flavin mononucleotide -n
- fmn
fla·vi·vi·rus ['flā-vi-,vī-rəs] -n
- any of a family ( Flaviviridaeand esp. genus Flavivirus) of single-stranded RNA viruses transmitted esp. by ticks and mosquitoes and including the causative agents of dengue, hepatitis C, hog cholera, Saint Louis encephalitis, West Nile fever, and yellow fever
fla·vone ['flā-,vōn] -n
- a colorless crystalline aromatic ketone C 15H 10O 2found in the leaves, stems, and seed capsules of many primroses
- any of the derivatives of this ketone many of which occur as yellow plant pigments in the form of glycosides and are used as dyestuffs
fla·vo·noid ['flā-və-,nȯid] -n
- any of a group of oxygen-containing aromatic antioxidant compounds that includes many common pigments (as the anthocyanins and flavones)
fla·vo·nol ['flā-və-,nȯl, -,nōl] -n
- any of various hydroxy derivatives of flavone
fla·vo·pro·tein [,flā-vō-'prō-,tēn, -'prō-tē-ən] -n
- a dehydrogenase that contains a flavin and often a metal and plays a major role in biological oxidations
fla·vor ['flā-vər] -n, adj, adv
- odor, fragrance
- the quality of something that affects the sense of taste
- the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance in the mouth
- a substance that flavors
- characteristic or predominant quality
- the ethnic flavor of a neighborhood
- a distinctive appealing or enlivening quality
- her performance adds flavor to the show
- variety
- a property that distinguishes different types of elementary particles (as quarks or neutrinos)
- any of the different types of particles that are distinguished by flavor
- version
- one that is in the center of public attention for a limited time usu. used in phrases like flavor of the month
flavor ['flā-v(ə-)riŋ] -vt
- to give or add flavor to
flavoring -n
- flavor
fla·vor·ist ['flā-vər-ist] -n
- a specialist in the creation of artificial flavors
fla·vour ['flā-vər] -n, adj, adv
(variant of flavor)
- odor, fragrance
- the quality of something that affects the sense of taste
- the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance in the mouth
- a substance that flavors
- characteristic or predominant quality
- the ethnic flavor of a neighborhood
- a distinctive appealing or enlivening quality
- her performance adds flavor to the show
- variety
- a property that distinguishes different types of elementary particles (as quarks or neutrinos)
- any of the different types of particles that are distinguished by flavor
- version
- one that is in the center of public attention for a limited time usu. used in phrases like flavor of the month
flaw ['flȯ] -n
- a sudden brief burst of wind
- a spell of stormy weather
- an outburst esp. of passion
- a defect in physical structure or form
- an imperfection or weakness and esp. one that detracts from the whole or hinders effectiveness
- vanity was the flaw in his character
- a flaw in the book's plot
- fragment
- to make flaws in : mar
- to become defective
flax ['flaks] -n, adj
- any of a genus ( Linumof the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs
- a slender erect annual ( L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed
- the fiber of the flax plant esp. when prepared for spinning
- any of several plants resembling flax
flax·en ['flak-sən] -adj
- made of flax
- resembling flax esp. in pale soft strawy color
flax·seed ['flak(s)-,sēd] -n
- the small seed of flax (esp. Linum usitatissimum) used esp. as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient, and as a dietary supplement called also linseed
flay ['flā] -vt
- to strip off the skin or surface of : skin
- to criticize harshly : excoriate
- lash
- the wind whipped up to gale fury, flay ing his face -- Richard Kent
fl dr -abbr
- fluid dram
flea ['flē] -n
- any of an order (Siphonaptera) of small wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals
flea·bag ['flē-,bag] -n
- an inferior hotel or rooming house
flea·bane [-,bān] -n
- any of various composite plants (esp. of the genus Erigeron) that were once believed to drive away fleas
flea beetle -n
- any of a subfamily (Alticinae, esp. genera Alticiaand Epitrix) of small chrysomelid beetles with legs adapted for leaping that feed on foliage and include some that are agricultural pests
flea·bite ['flē-,bīt] -n
- the bite of a flea
- the red spot caused by such a bite
- a trifling pain or annoyance
fleabit·ten [-,bi-tᵊn] -adj
- having a white or gray coat flecked with a darker color
- bitten by or infested with fleas
flea collar -n
- a collar for animals (as dogs and cats) that contains insecticide for killing fleas
fleaflick·er [-,fli-kər] -n
- any of various offensive plays in football involving a combination of handoffs and forward or lateral passes
flea·hop·per [-,hä-pər] -n
- any of several small jumping bugs that feed on cultivated plants
flea market -n
- a usu. open-air market for secondhand articles and antiques
flea·pit [-,pit] -n
- a dilapidated building usu. housing a movie theater
flea·wort ['flē-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n
- any of three Old World plantains (esp. Plantago psyllium) whose seeds are sometimes used as a mild laxative
fleche ['flāsh, 'flesh] -n
- spire
- a slender spire above the intersection of the nave and transepts of a church
fle·chette [flā-'shet, fle-] -n
- a small dart-shaped projectile that is clustered in an explosive warhead, dropped as a missile from an airplane, or fired from a handheld gun
fleck ['flek] -vt
- streak, spot
- whitecaps fleck ed the blue sea
- to color as if by sprinkling with flecks
- his wit is fleck ed with sarcasm -- James Atlas
- spot, mark
- a brown tweed with fleck s of yellow
- flake, particle
- fleck s of snow drifted down
fledge ['flej] -vb
- to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity
- to leave the nest after acquiring such feathers
- to rear until ready for flight or independent activity
- to cover with or as if with feathers or down
- to furnish (as an arrow) with feathers
fledg·ling ['flej-liŋ] -n
- a young bird just fledged
- an immature or inexperienced person
- one that is new
flee ['flē] -vb
- to run away often from danger or evil : fly
- to hurry toward a place of security
- to pass away swiftly : vanish
- to run away from : shun
fleece ['flēs] -n
- the coat of wool covering a wool-bearing animal (as a sheep)
- the wool obtained from a sheep at one shearing
- any of various soft or woolly coverings
- a soft bulky deep-piled knitted or woven fabric used chiefly for clothing
- to strip of money or property by fraud or extortion
- to charge excessively for goods or services
- to remove the fleece from : shear
- to dot or cover with fleecy masses
fleeced ['flēst] -adj
- covered with or as if with a fleece
- having a soft nap
fleecy ['flē-sē] -adj
- covered with, made of, or resembling fleece
fleer ['flir] -vi, adv
- to laugh or grimace in a coarse derisive manner : sneer
- a word or look of derision or mockery
fleet ['flēt] -vb
- drift
- flow
- to fade away : vanish
- to fly swiftly
- to cause (time) to pass usu. quickly or imperceptibly
- a number of warships under a single command
- an organization of ships and aircraft under the command of a flag officer
- group
- a group (as of ships, planes, or trucks) operated under unified control
- swift in motion : nimble
- fleeting
fleet admiral -n
- an admiral of the highest rank in the navy whose insignia is five stars
fleetfoot·ed [-,fu̇-təd] -adj
- able to run fast
fleet·ing ['flē-tiŋ] -adj, adv, n
- passing swiftly : transitory
Fleet Street ['flēt-] -n
- the London press
fleh·men ['flā-mən] -n, vi
- a mammalian behavior (as of horses or cats) in which the animal inhales with the mouth open and upper lip curled to facilitate exposure of the vomeronasal organ to a scent or pheromone
flei·shig ['flā-shik] -adj
- made of, prepared with, or used for meat or meat products
Flem·ing ['fle-miŋ] -n
- a member of the Germanic people inhabiting northern Belgium and a small section of northern France
Flem·ish ['fle-mish] -adj
- of, relating to, or characteristic of Flanders or the Flemings or their language
Flemish -n
- the Germanic language of the Flemings that is made up of dialects of Dutch
- flemings
Flemish giant -n
- any of a breed of very large solid-colored rabbits prob. of Belgian origin
flense ['flen(t)s] -vt
- to strip (as a whale) of blubber or skin
flesh ['flesh] -n
- the soft parts of the body of an animal and esp. of a vertebrate
- the parts composed chiefly of skeletal muscle as distinguished from internal organs, bone, and integument
- the condition of having ample fat on the body
- skin
- edible parts of an animal
- flesh of a mammal or fowl eaten as food
- the physical nature of human beings
- the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak -- Mt 26:41(AV)
- human nature
- human beings : humankind
- living beings
- stock, kindred
- a fleshy plant part used as food
- the fleshy part of a fruit
- an illusion that matter has sensation
- substance
- insights buried in the flesh of the narrative -- Jan Carew
- to initiate or habituate esp. by giving a foretaste
- gratify
- to clothe or cover with or as if with flesh
- to give substance to usu. used with out
- to make fuller or more nearly complete used with out
- museums flesh ing out their collections with borrowed works
- to free from flesh
- to become fleshy often used with up or out
flesh and blood -n
- corporeal nature as composed of flesh and of blood
- near kindred used chiefly in the phrase one's own flesh and blood
- substance, reality
fleshed ['flesht] -adj
- having flesh esp. of a specified kind often used in combination
flesh fly -n
- a dipteran fly whose maggots feed on flesh
- any of a family (Sarcophagidae) of flies some of which cause myiasis
flesh·ly ['flesh-lē] -adj
- corporeal, bodily
- of, relating to, or characterized by indulgence of bodily appetites
- lascivious
- not spiritual : worldly
- fleshy
- having a sensuous quality
flesh·ment ['flesh-mənt] -n
- excitement associated with a successful beginning
flesh·pot ['flesh-,pät] -n
- bodily comfort : luxury
- a place of lascivious entertainment usu. used in pl.
fleshpress·ing ['flesh-,pre-siŋ] -n
- the act of greeting and shaking hands with people esp. while campaigning for political office
flesh wound -n
- an injury involving penetration of the body musculature without damage to bones or internal organs
fleshy ['fle-shē] -adj, n
- marked by, consisting of, or resembling flesh
- marked by abundant flesh
- corpulent
- succulent, pulpy
- the fleshy texture of a melon
- not thin, dry, or membranous
fleshy fruit -n
- a fruit (as a berry, drupe, or pome) consisting largely of soft succulent tissue
fletch ['flech] -vt
- feather
fletch·er ['fle-chər] -n
- a maker of arrows
fletch·ing [-chiŋ] -n
- the feathers on an arrow
- the arrangement of such feathers
fleur de coin [,flər-də-'kwaⁿ] -adj
- being in the preserved mint condition
fleurdelis [,flər-də-'lē, ,flu̇r-] -n
- iris
- a conventionalized iris in artistic design and heraldry
fleu·ry ['flu̇r-ē] -adj
- having the ends of the arms broadening out into the heads of fleurs-de-lis
flew ['flī] -vb
(variant of fly)
- to move in or pass through the air with wings
- to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
- to float, wave, or soar in the air
- flags fly ing at half-mast
- to take flight : flee
- to fade and disappear : vanish
- to move, pass, or spread quickly
- to be moved with sudden extreme emotion
- to seem to pass quickly
- to become expended or dissipated rapidly
- to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft
- to work successfully : win popular acceptance
- knew...a pure human-rights approach would not fly -- Charles Brydon
- to cause to fly, float, or hang in the air
- to operate (as a balloon, aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft) in flight
- to journey over or through by flying
- to flee or escape from
- avoid, shun
- to transport by aircraft or spacecraft
- the action or process of flying : flight
- a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery
- flywheel
- the space over a theater stage where scenery and equipment can be hung
- : something attached by one edge: as
- a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth extending over the fastener
- the length of an extended flag from its staff or support
- the outer or loose end of a flag
- a baseball hit high into the air
- flyleaf
- a sheet of material (as canvas) that is attachable to a tent for use as a double top or as a rooflike extension
- a football pass pattern in which the receiver runs straight downfield
- to hit a fly in baseball
- a winged insect usu. used in combination
- any of a large order (Diptera) of winged or rarely wingless insects (as the housefly, mosquito, or gnat) that have the anterior wings functional, the posterior wings reduced to halteres, and segmented often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae
- a large stout-bodied fly
- a fishhook dressed (as with feathers or tinsel) to suggest an insect
- keen, artful
flews ['flüz] -n pl
- the pendulous lateral parts of a dog's upper lip
flex ['fleks] -vb
- to bend esp. repeatedly
- to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint)
- to move or tense (a muscle) by contraction
- use, demonstrate
- flex ing her skills as a singer
- bend
- an electric cord
- an act or instance of flexing
flexcuff ['fleks-,kəf] -n, vt
- a plastic strip that can be fastened as a restraint around a person's wrists or ankles
flex·i·ble ['flek-sə-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- capable of being flexed : pliant
- yielding to influence : tractable
- characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements
- a flexible foreign policy
flex·ile ['flek-səl, -,sī(-ə)l] -adj
- flexible
flex·ion ['flek-shən] -n
- the act of flexing or bending
- a part bent : bend
- inflection
- a bending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint
- a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint
flex·og·ra·phy [flek-'sä-grə-fē] -n, adj, adv
- a process of rotary letterpress printing using flexible plates and fast-drying inks
flex·or ['flek-sər, -,sȯr] -n
- a muscle serving to bend a body part (as a limb)
flex·time ['fleks-,tīm] -n
- a system that allows employees to choose their own times for starting and finishing work within a broad range of available hours
flex·u·ous ['flek-sh(ə-)wəs] -adj
- having curves, turns, or windings
- lithe or fluid in action or movement
flex·ur·al ['flek-sh(ə-)rəl] -adj
- of, relating to, or resulting from flexure
- characterized by flexure
flex·ure ['flek-shər] -n
- the quality or state of being flexed : flexion
- turn, bend, fold
fley ['flā] -vt
- frighten
flib·ber·ti·gib·bet [,fli-bər-tē-'ji-bət] -n, adj
- a silly flighty person
flic ['flēk] -n
- a French police officer
flick ['flik] -n
- a light sharp jerky stroke or movement
- a sound produced by a flick
- flicker
- to move or propel with or as if with a flick
- flick ed her hair back over her shoulder
- to activate, deactivate, or change by or as if by flicking a switch
- flick on a cigarette lighter
- to strike lightly with a quick sharp motion
- flick ed the horse with a whip
- to remove with light blows
- flick ed an ash off her sleeve
- to go or pass quickly or abruptly
- flick ing through some papers
- to direct flicks at something
- movie
flick·er ['fli-kər] -vb, adv
- to move irregularly or unsteadily : flutter
- to burn or shine fitfully or with a fluctuating light
- a candle flicker ing in the window
- to appear briefly
- to cause to flicker
- to produce by flickering
flicker ['fli-k(ə-)rē] -n, adj
- an act of flickering
- a sudden brief movement
- a momentary quickening
- a slight indication : hint
- a wavering light
- a repeated momentary defect in a cathode-ray tube image caused esp. by slow scanning of the screen
- movie often used in pl.
- a large barred and spotted No. American woodpecker ( Colaptes auratus) with a brown back that commonly forages on the ground for ants
flickknife ['flik-,nīf] -n
- switchblade
flied ['flī] -vb
(variant of fly)
- to move in or pass through the air with wings
- to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
- to float, wave, or soar in the air
- flags fly ing at half-mast
- to take flight : flee
- to fade and disappear : vanish
- to move, pass, or spread quickly
- to be moved with sudden extreme emotion
- to seem to pass quickly
- to become expended or dissipated rapidly
- to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft
- to work successfully : win popular acceptance
- knew...a pure human-rights approach would not fly -- Charles Brydon
- to cause to fly, float, or hang in the air
- to operate (as a balloon, aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft) in flight
- to journey over or through by flying
- to flee or escape from
- avoid, shun
- to transport by aircraft or spacecraft
- the action or process of flying : flight
- a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery
- flywheel
- the space over a theater stage where scenery and equipment can be hung
- : something attached by one edge: as
- a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth extending over the fastener
- the length of an extended flag from its staff or support
- the outer or loose end of a flag
- a baseball hit high into the air
- flyleaf
- a sheet of material (as canvas) that is attachable to a tent for use as a double top or as a rooflike extension
- a football pass pattern in which the receiver runs straight downfield
- to hit a fly in baseball
- a winged insect usu. used in combination
- any of a large order (Diptera) of winged or rarely wingless insects (as the housefly, mosquito, or gnat) that have the anterior wings functional, the posterior wings reduced to halteres, and segmented often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae
- a large stout-bodied fly
- a fishhook dressed (as with feathers or tinsel) to suggest an insect
- keen, artful
fli·er ['flī(-ə)r] -n
- one that flies
- airman
- a reckless or speculative venture usu. used in the phrase take a flier
- an advertising circular
flight ['flīt] -n, adj
- an act or instance of passing through the air by the use of wings
- the ability to fly
- flight is natural to birds
- a passing through the air or through space outside the earth's atmosphere
- flight of a rocket to the moon
- the distance covered in such a flight
- swift movement
- a trip made by or in an airplane or spacecraft
- a scheduled airplane trip
- a group of similar beings or objects flying through the air together
- a brilliant, imaginative, or unrestrained exercise or display
- a continuous series of stairs from one landing or floor to another
- a series (as of terraces or conveyors) resembling a flight of stairs
- a unit of the U.S. Air Force below a squadron
- flush
- to rise, settle, or fly in a flock
- geese flight ing on the marsh
- an act or instance of running away
flight attendant -n
- a person who attends passengers on an airplane
flight bag -n
- a lightweight traveling bag with zippered outside pockets
- a small canvas satchel
flight deck -n
- the uppermost complete deck of an aircraft carrier
- the forward compartment in some airplanes
flight engineer -n
- a flight crewman responsible for mechanical operation
flight feather -n
- one of the quills of a bird's wing or tail that support it in flight
flight lieutenant -n
- a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a captain in the army
flight line -n
- a parking and servicing area for airplanes
flight path -n
- the path in the air or space made or followed by something (as a particle, an airplane, or a spacecraft) in flight
flight pay -n
- an additional allowance paid to military personnel who take part in regular authorized aircraft flights
flight plan -n
- a usu. written statement (as by a pilot) of the details of an intended flight (as of an airplane or spacecraft) usu. filed with an authority
flight recorder -n
- a crashworthy instrument for recording flight data (as airspeed and altitude)
flight suit -n
- a usu. one-piece garment esp. of fire-resistant fabric worn esp. by a member of a military aircrew
flight surgeon -n
- a military medical officer specializing in aerospace medicine
flighttest ['flīt-,test] -vt
- to test (as an airplane or spacecraft) in flight
flighty ['flī-tē] -adj, adv, n
- swift
- : lacking stability or steadiness:
- easily upset : volatile
- easily excited : skittish
- capricious, silly
flim·flam ['flim-,flam] -n
- deceptive nonsense
- deception, fraud
flimflam [-,fla-mə-rē] -vt, n
- to subject to a flimflam
flim·sy ['flim-zē] -adj, adv, n
- lacking in physical strength or substance
- of inferior materials and workmanship
- having little worth or plausibility
flimsy -n
- a lightweight paper used esp. for multiple copies
- a document printed on flimsy
flinch ['flinch] -vi, n
- to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : wince
- to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort
flin·ders ['flin-dərz] -n pl
- splinters, fragments
fling ['fliŋ] -vb, n
- to move in a brusque or headlong manner
- flung out of the room in a rage
- to kick or plunge vigorously
- caper
- to throw forcefully, impetuously, or casually
- flung herself down on the sofa
- clothes were flung on the floor
- to cast as if by throwing
- to place or send suddenly and unceremoniously
- was arrested and flung into prison
- to give unrestrainedly
- an act or instance of flinging
- a casual try or involvement
- a casual or brief love affair
- a period devoted to self-indulgence
flint ['flint] -n, adj
- a massive hard dark quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
- an implement of flint used in prehistoric cultures
- a piece of flint
- a material used for producing a spark
- an alloy (as of iron and cerium) used in lighters
- something resembling flint in hardness
flint corn -n
- an Indian corn ( Zea mays indurata) having hard horny usu. rounded kernels with the soft endosperm enclosed by a hard outer layer
flint glass -n
- heavy brilliant glass that contains lead oxide, has a relatively high refractive index, and is used in lenses and prisms
flint·lock ['flint-,läk] -n
- a lock for a gun or pistol having a flint in the hammer for striking a spark to ignite the charge
- a firearm fitted with a flintlock
flinty ['flin-tē] -adj, adv, n
- resembling flint
- stern, unyielding
- composed of or covered with flint
flip ['flip] -vb
- to toss so as to cause to turn over in the air
- toss
- flip one end of the scarf over your shoulder
- to cause to turn and esp. to turn over
- flipping the pages of a book
- to move with a small quick motion
- to buy and usu. renovate (real estate) so as to quickly resell at a higher price
- to make a twitching or flicking movement
- the fish flipped and flopped on the deck
- to change from one position to another and esp. turn over
- leaf
- flipped through the pages
- to lose one's mind or composure often used with out
- to become very enthusiastic
- a mixed drink usu. consisting of a sweetened spiced liquor with beaten eggs
- an act or instance of flipping
- the motion used in flipping
- a somersault esp. in the air
- flippant, impertinent
flipflop ['flip-,fläp] -n, vi
- the sound or motion of something flapping loosely
- a backward handspring
- a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)
- a usu. electronic device or a circuit (as in a computer) capable of assuming either of two stable states
- a rubber sandal loosely fastened to the foot by a thong
flip off -vt
- to hold up the middle finger as an obscene gesture of contempt to
- flipped off the other driver
flip·pan·cy ['fli-pən(t)-sē] -n
- unbecoming levity or pertness esp. in respect to grave or sacred matters
flip·pant ['fli-pənt] -adj, adv
- glib, talkative
- lacking proper respect or seriousness
flip·per ['fli-pər] -n
- a broad flat limb (as of a seal or cetacean) adapted for swimming
- a flat rubber shoe with the front expanded into a paddle used in skin diving
- one that flips
flip·py ['fli-pē] -adj
- loose and flaring at the bottom
flip side -n
- the reverse and usu. less popular side of a phonograph record
- a reverse or opposite side, aspect, or result
- the flip side of deficient saving...is overconsumption -- R. S. Gay
flirt ['flərt] -vi, n, adj
- to move erratically : flit
- to behave amorously without serious intent
- to show superficial or casual interest or liking
- experiment
- a novelist flirt ing with poetry
- to come close to reaching or experiencing something used with with
- flick
- to move in a jerky manner
- an act or instance of flirting
- a person who flirts
flir·ta·tious [,flər-'tā-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- inclined to flirt : coquettish
flit ['flit] -vi, n
- to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another
- alter, shift
- to move in an erratic fluttering manner
flitch ['flich] -n
- a side of cured meat
- a side of bacon
- a longitudinal section of a log
flit·ter ['fli-tər] -vi
- flutter, flicker
flitter -n
- one that flits
fliv·ver ['fli-vər] -n
- a small cheap usu. old automobile
float ['flōt] -n
- an act or instance of floating
- : something that floats in or on the surface of a fluid: as
- a device (as a cork) buoying up the baited end of a fishing line
- a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers or boats
- a hollow ball that floats at the end of a lever in a cistern, tank, or boiler and regulates the liquid level
- a sac containing air or gas and buoying up the body of a plant or animal
- a watertight structure giving an airplane buoyancy on water
- a tool or apparatus for smoothing a surface (as of wet concrete)
- a government grant of a fixed amount of land not yet located by survey out of a larger specific tract
- a vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade
- the vehicle and exhibit together
- an amount of money represented by checks outstanding and in process of collection
- the time between a transaction (as the writing of a check or a purchase on credit) and the actual withdrawal of funds to cover it
- the volume of a company's shares available for active trading in the auction market
- a soft drink with ice cream floating in it
- to rest on the surface of or be suspended in a fluid
- to drift on or through or as if on or through a fluid
- yellow leaves float ed down
- wander
- to find a level in the international exchange market in response to the law of supply and demand and without any restrictive effect of artificial support or control
- to cause to float in or on the surface of a fluid
- to cause to float as if in a fluid
- flood
- to smooth (as plaster or cement) with a float
- to put forth (as a proposal) for acceptance
- to place (an issue of securities) on the market
- to obtain money for the establishment or development of (an enterprise) by issuing and selling securities
- negotiate
floatation [flō-'tā-shən] -n
(variant of flotation)
- the act, process, or state of floating
- an act or instance of financing (as an issue of stock)
- the separation of the particles of a mass of pulverized ore according to their relative capacity for floating on a given liquid
- any of various similar processes involving the relative capacity of materials for floating
- the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow
float·er ['flō-tər] -n
- one that floats
- a person who floats something
- a person who votes illegally in various polling places
- a person without a permanent residence or regular employment
- a worker who moves from job to job
- one without fixed duties
- a pitched, thrown, or hit ball that moves through the air relatively slowly with little or no spin or rotation
- a policy insuring specific items of personal property (as jewelry or art)
- a bit of optical debris (as a dead cell or cell fragment) in the vitreous humor or lens that may be perceived as a spot before the eye
- a spot in the visual field due to such debris usu. used in pl.
float glass -n
- flat glass produced by solidifying molten glass on the surface of a bath of molten tin
float·ing ['flō-tiŋ] -adj
- buoyed on or in a fluid
- located out of the normal position
- continually drifting or changing position
- not presently committed or invested
- short-term and usu. not funded
- having no fixed value or rate
- connected or constructed so as to operate and adjust smoothly
floating dock -n
- a dock that floats on the water and can be partly submerged to permit entry of a ship and raised to keep the ship high and dry called also floating drydock
floating island -n
- a dessert consisting of custard with floating masses of beaten egg whites
floatingpoint -adj
- expressed in, using, or being a mathematical notation in which a number is represented (as in a computer display) by an integer or a decimal fraction multiplied by a power of the number base indicated by an exponent (as in 4.52E2 for 452)
floating rib -n
- a rib (as one of either of the last two pairs in humans) that has no attachment to the sternum
float·plane ['flōt-,plān] -n
- a seaplane supported on the water by one or more floats
floaty ['flō-tē] -adj
- tending to float : buoyant
- light and billowy
floc ['fläk] -n
- a flocculent mass
floc·cu·late ['flä-kyə-,lāt] -vb, n
- to cause to aggregate into a flocculent mass
- flocculate clay particles
- to become flocculent
floc·cule ['flä-(,)kyül] -n
- floc
floc·cu·lent ['flä-kyə-lənt] -adj
- resembling wool esp. in loose fluffy organization
- containing, consisting of, or occurring in the form of loosely aggregated particles or soft flakes
floc·cu·lus [-ləs] -n
- a small loosely aggregated mass
- a bright or dark patch on the sun
flock ['fläk] -n
- a group of animals (as birds or sheep) assembled or herded together
- a group under the guidance of a leader
- a church congregation
- a large number
- to gather or move in a flock
- they flock ed to the beach
- a tuft of wool or cotton fiber
- woolen or cotton refuse used for stuffing furniture and mattresses
- very short or pulverized fiber used esp. to form a velvety pattern on cloth or paper or a protective covering on metal
- floc
- to fill with flock
- to decorate with flock
flock·ing ['flä-kiŋ] -n
- a design in flock
floe ['flō] -n
- floating ice formed in a large sheet on the surface of a body of water
- ice floe
flog ['fläg] -vb, n
- to beat with or as if with a rod or whip
- to criticize harshly
- to force or urge into action : drive
- to sell (as stolen goods) illegally
- flogged their employers' petrol to ordinary motorists -- Economist
- sell
- traveled by horse, flogging encyclopedias -- Robert Darnton
- to promote aggressively : plug
- flying around the world flogging your movies -- Peter Bogdanovich
- steal
- flap, flutter
- to move along with difficulty : slog
flo·ka·ti rug [flō-'kä-tē-] -n
- a hand-woven Greek woolen rug with a thick shaggy pile called also flokati
flood ['fləd] -n
- a rising and overflowing of a body of water esp. onto normally dry land
- a condition of overflowing
- a flood described in the Bible as covering the earth in the time of Noah
- the flowing in of the tide
- an overwhelming quantity or volume
- a state of abundant flow or volume often used in the phrase in full flood
- floodlight
- to cover with a flood : inundate
- to fill abundantly or excessively
- to supply an excess of fuel to (as an engine or its carburetor) so that engine operation is hampered
- to pour forth, go, or come in a flood
- to become filled with a flood
flood·gate ['fləd-,gāt] -n
- a gate for shutting out, admitting, or releasing a body of water : sluice
- something serving to restrain an outburst
- opened the floodgate s of criticism
flood·light [-,līt] -n
- artificial illumination in a broad beam
- a source of such illumination
- a lighting unit for projecting a broad beam of light
floodlight [-,lit] -vt
- to illuminate by means of one or more floodlights
flood·plain ['fləd-,plān] -n
- level land that may be submerged by floodwaters
- a plain built up by stream deposition
flood tide -n
- a rising tide
- an overwhelming quantity
- a high point : peak
flood·wa·ter [-,wȯ-tər, -,wä-] -n
- the water of a flood
flood·way [-,wā] -n
- a channel for diverting floodwaters
floo·ey ['flü-ē] -adj
- awry, askew
floor ['flȯr] -n, adj
- the level base of a room
- the lower inside surface of a hollow structure (as a cave or bodily part)
- a ground surface
- a structure dividing a building into stories
- story
- the occupants of such a floor
- the surface of a structure on which one travels
- a main level space (as in a stock exchange or legislative chamber) distinguished from a platform or gallery
- the specially prepared or marked area on which indoor sports events take place
- the members of an assembly
- took questions from the floor
- the right to address an assembly
- the senator from Utah has the floor
- a lower limit : base
- to cover with a floor or flooring
- to knock or bring down
- flabbergast, dumbfound
- to press (the accelerator of a vehicle) to the floorboard
- to accelerate rapidly
floor·board ['flȯr-,bȯrd] -n
- a board in a floor
- the floor of an automobile
floor·cloth [-,klȯth] -n
- a usu. decorated heavy cloth (as of canvas) used for a floor covering
floor exercise -n
- an event in gymnastics competition consisting of various ballet and tumbling movements (as jumps, somersaults, and handstands) performed without apparatus
floor·ing ['flȯr-iŋ] -n
- floor, base
- material for floors
floor lamp -n
- a tall lamp that stands on the floor
floor leader -n
- a member of a legislative body chosen by a party to have charge of its organization and strategy on the floor
floorlength -adj
- reaching to the floor
floor manager -n
- a person who directs something from the floor (as of a nominating convention)
floor show -n
- a series of acts presented in a nightclub
floorthrough ['flȯr-,thrü] -n
- an apartment that occupies an entire floor of a building
floor·walk·er ['flȯr-,wȯ-kər] -n
- a person employed in a retail store to oversee the salespeople and aid customers
floo·zy ['flü-zē] -n
- a usu. young woman of loose morals
flop ['fläp] -vb, n
- to swing or move loosely : flap
- to throw or move oneself in a heavy, clumsy, or relaxed manner
- to change or turn suddenly
- to go to bed
- to fail completely
- to move or drop heavily or noisily : cause to flop
- right, squarely
- an act or sound of flopping
- a complete failure
- a place to sleep
- flophouse
- dung
- a piece of dung
flop·house ['fläp-,hau̇s] -n
- a cheap rooming house or hotel
flop·py ['flä-pē] -adj, adv, n
- tending to flop
- being both soft and flexible
floppy -n
- floppy disk
floppy disk -n
- a thin plastic disk coated with magnetic material on which data for a computer can be stored
flop sweat -n
- nervous sweat (as of a performer) caused esp. by the fear of failing
flo·ra ['flȯr-ə] -n
- a treatise on or list of the plants of an area or period
- plant or bacterial life
- such life characteristic of a region, period, or special environment
flo·ral ['flȯr-əl] -adj
- of, relating to, or depicting flowers
- of or relating to a flora
floral -n
- a design or picture in which flowers predominate
floral envelope -n
- perianth
Flor·ence fennel ['flȯr-ən(t)s-, 'flär-] -n
- a fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare azoricum) cultivated for its edible bulbous stem base called also finocchio
Flor·ence flask ['flȯr-ən(t)s-, 'flär-] -n
- a round usu. flat-bottomed laboratory vessel with a long neck
Flor·en·tine ['flȯr-ən-,tēn, 'flär-, -,tīn] -adj
- of or relating to Florence, Italy
- machiavellian
- served or dressed with spinach
- having a matte brushed finish
flo·res·cence [flȯ-'re-sᵊn(t)s, flə-] -n, adj
- a state or period of flourishing
flo·ret ['flȯr-ət] -n
- a small flower
- one of the small flowers forming the head of a composite plant
- a cluster of flower buds separated from a head esp. when used as food
flori- -comb form
- flower or flowers
flo·ri·at·ed ['flȯr-ē-,ā-təd] -adj, n
- having floral ornaments or a floral form
flo·ri·bun·da [,flȯr-ə-'bən-də] -n
- any of various bush roses with large flowers in open clusters that derive from crosses of polyantha and tea roses
flo·ri·cul·ture ['flȯr-ə-,kəl-chər] -n, adj
- the cultivation and management of ornamental and esp. flowering plants
flor·id ['flȯr-əd, 'flär-] -adj, n, adv
- covered with flowers
- very flowery in style : ornate
- having a florid style
- elaborately decorated
- tinged with red : ruddy
- marked by emotional or sexual fervor
- healthy
- fully developed : manifesting a complete and typical clinical syndrome
- the florid stage of a disease
Flor·i·da panther ['flȯr-ə-də-, 'flär-] -n
- a highly endangered cougar ( Felis concolor coryi) whose range is now limited to southern Florida
flo·rif·er·ous [flȯ-'ri-f(ə-)rəs] -adj, n
- bearing flowers
- blooming freely
flo·ri·gen ['flȯr-ə-jən] -n, adj
- a hormone or hormonal agent that promotes flowering
flo·ri·le·gium [,flȯr-ə-'lē-j(ē-)əm] -n
- a volume of writings : anthology
flo·rin ['flȯr-ən, 'flär-] -n
- an old gold coin first struck at Florence in 1252
- any of various European gold coins patterned after the Florentine florin
- a British silver coin worth two shillings
- any of several similar coins issued in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations
- gulden
flo·rist ['flȯr-ist, 'flär-] -n
- a person who sells or grows for sale flowers and ornamental plants
flo·ris·tic [flȯ-'ris-tik] -adj, adv
- of or relating to flowers, a flora, or the phytogeographical study of plants and plant groups
flo·ru·it ['flȯr-(y)ə-wət, 'flär-] -n
- a period of flourishing (as of a person or movement)
floss ['fläs, 'flȯs] -n
- soft thread of silk or mercerized cotton for embroidery
- dental floss
- fluffy fibrous material
- to use dental floss on
- to use dental floss
flossy ['flä-sē, 'flȯ-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or having the characteristics of floss
- stylish or glamorous esp. at first impression
flo·ta ['flō-tə] -n
- a fleet of Spanish ships
flo·ta·tion [flō-'tā-shən] -n
- the act, process, or state of floating
- an act or instance of financing (as an issue of stock)
- the separation of the particles of a mass of pulverized ore according to their relative capacity for floating on a given liquid
- any of various similar processes involving the relative capacity of materials for floating
- the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow
flo·til·la [flō-'ti-lə] -n
- a fleet of ships or boats
- a navy organizational unit consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships
- an indefinite large number
flot·sam ['flät-səm] -n
- floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo
- floating debris
- a floating population (as of emigrants or castaways)
- miscellaneous or unimportant material
- a notebook filled with flotsam and jetsam
- debris, remains
- the village...built on the flotsam of war -- Stan Sesser
flounce ['flau̇n(t)s] -vi
- to move with exaggerated jerky or bouncy motions
- flounced about the room, jerking her shoulders, gesticulating -- Agatha Christie
- to move so as to draw attention to oneself
- to go with sudden determination
- flounder, struggle
- an act or instance of flouncing
- to trim with flounces
- a strip of fabric attached by one edge
- a wide ruffle
flouncing -n
- material used for flounces
floun·der ['flau̇n-dər] -n
- flatfish
- a marine fish of either of two families (Pleuronectidae and Bothidae) that include important food fishes
flounder [-d(ə-)riŋ] -vi
- to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly
- to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
flour ['flau̇(-ə)r] -n, adj
- a product consisting of finely milled wheat
- a similar product made from another grain or food product (as dried potatoes or fish)
- a fine soft powder
- to coat with or as if with flour
- to break up into particles
flour beetle -n
- any of various small darkling beetles (esp. Tribolium confusumand T. castaneum) that typically feed on and lay eggs in stored grain and grain products
flour·ish ['flər-ish, 'flə-rish] -vb, n, adv
- to grow luxuriantly : thrive
- to achieve success : prosper
- to be in a state of activity or production
- to reach a height of development or influence
- to make bold and sweeping gestures
- to wield with dramatic gestures : brandish
flourish -n
- an act or instance of brandishing or waving
- a florid bit of speech or writing
- an ornamental stroke in writing or printing
- a decorative or finishing detail
- a house with clever little flourish es
- fanfare
- a period of thriving
- a luxuriant growth or profusion
- a springtime flourish of color
- showiness in the doing of something
- opened the door with a flourish
- a sudden burst
flout ['flau̇t] -vb, n
- to treat with contemptuous disregard : scorn
- to indulge in scornful behavior
- jeer
flow ['flō] -vb, adv
- to issue or move in a stream
- circulate
- to move with a continual change of place among the constituent particles
- rise
- abound
- a land flow ing with natural resources
- to proceed smoothly and readily
- conversation flow ed easily
- to have a smooth continuity
- to hang loose and billowing
- her gown flow ed around her
- to derive from a source : come
- the wealth that flow s from trade
- to deform under stress without cracking or rupturing used esp. of minerals and rocks
- menstruate
- to cause to flow
- to discharge in a flow
- an act of flowing
- flood
- flood
- a smooth uninterrupted movement or progress
- stream
- a mass of material which has flowed when molten
- the direction of movement or development
- the quantity that flows in a certain time
- a gauge that measures fuel flow
- menstruation
- the motion characteristic of fluids
- a continuous transfer of energy
flow·age ['flō-ij] -n
- an overflowing onto adjacent land
- a body of water formed by overflowing or damming
- floodwater esp. of a stream
- gradual deformation of a body of plastic solid (as rock) by intermolecular shear
flow·chart [-,chärt] -n
- a diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure or system esp. using connecting lines and a set of conventional symbols
flow cy·tom·e·try [-sī-'tä-mə-trē] -n
- a technique for identifying and sorting cells and their components (as DNA) by staining with a fluorescent dye and detecting the fluorescence usu. by laser beam illumination
flow diagram -n
- flowchart
flow·er ['flau̇(-ə)r] -n, adj
- the part of a seed plant that normally bears reproductive organs : blossom, inflorescence
- a shoot of the sporophyte of a higher plant that is modified for reproduction and consists of a shortened axis bearing modified leaves
- one of a seed plant differentiated into a calyx, corolla, stamens, and carpels
- a plant cultivated for its blossoms
- the best part or example
- the finest most vigorous period
- a state of blooming or flourishing
- a finely divided powder produced esp. by condensation or sublimation
flower ['flau̇(-ə)r-ər] -vi, n
- develop
- flower ed into young womanhood
- flourish
- to produce flowers : blossom
- to cause to bear flowers
- to decorate with flowers or floral designs
flow·er·age ['flau̇(-ə)r-ij] -n
- a flowering process, state, or condition
flower bud -n
- a plant bud that produces only a flower
flower bug -n
- any of various small mostly black-and-white predaceous bugs (family Anthocoridae) that frequent flowers and feed on pest insects (as aphids and thrips)
flower child -n
- a hippie who advocates love, beauty, and peace
flow·er·et ['flau̇(-ə)r-ət] -n
- floret
flower girl -n
- a little girl who carries flowers at a wedding
flower head -n
- a capitulum (as of a composite) having sessile flowers so arranged that the whole inflorescence looks like a single flower
flowering dogwood -n
- a common spring-flowering usu. white-bracted dogwood ( Cornus florida)
flowering plant -n
- angiosperm
flower people -n pl
- flower children
flow·er·pot ['flau̇(-ə)r-,pät] -n
- a pot in which to grow plants
flower power -n
- a nonviolent ethic as advocated by hippies
flow·ery ['flau̇(-ə)r-ē] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or resembling flowers
- marked by or given to rhetorical elegance
flow·me·ter ['flō-,mē-tər] -n
- an instrument for measuring one or more properties (as velocity or pressure) of a flow (as of a liquid in a pipe)
flown ['flī] -vb
(variant of fly)
- to move in or pass through the air with wings
- to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
- to float, wave, or soar in the air
- flags fly ing at half-mast
- to take flight : flee
- to fade and disappear : vanish
- to move, pass, or spread quickly
- to be moved with sudden extreme emotion
- to seem to pass quickly
- to become expended or dissipated rapidly
- to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft
- to work successfully : win popular acceptance
- knew...a pure human-rights approach would not fly -- Charles Brydon
- to cause to fly, float, or hang in the air
- to operate (as a balloon, aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft) in flight
- to journey over or through by flying
- to flee or escape from
- avoid, shun
- to transport by aircraft or spacecraft
- the action or process of flying : flight
- a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery
- flywheel
- the space over a theater stage where scenery and equipment can be hung
- : something attached by one edge: as
- a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth extending over the fastener
- the length of an extended flag from its staff or support
- the outer or loose end of a flag
- a baseball hit high into the air
- flyleaf
- a sheet of material (as canvas) that is attachable to a tent for use as a double top or as a rooflike extension
- a football pass pattern in which the receiver runs straight downfield
- to hit a fly in baseball
- a winged insect usu. used in combination
- any of a large order (Diptera) of winged or rarely wingless insects (as the housefly, mosquito, or gnat) that have the anterior wings functional, the posterior wings reduced to halteres, and segmented often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae
- a large stout-bodied fly
- a fishhook dressed (as with feathers or tinsel) to suggest an insect
- keen, artful
flow sheet -n
- flowchart
flow·stone ['flō-,stōn] -n
- calcite deposited by a thin sheet of flowing water usu. along the walls or floor of a cave
fl oz -abbr
- fluid ounce
FLSA -abbr
- Fair Labor Standards Act
flu ['flü] -n, adj
- influenza
- any of several virus diseases marked esp. by respiratory or intestinal symptoms
flub ['fləb] -vb
- to make a mess of : botch
- blunder
- an act or instance of flubbing : blunder
flub·dub ['fləb-,dəb] -n
- bunkum, balderdash
flu·con·a·zole [flü-'kä-nə-,zōl] -n
- an antifungal agent C 13H 12F 2N 6O used orally to treat cryptococcal meningitis and local or systemic candida infections
fluc·tu·ant ['flək-chə-wənt, -chü-ənt] -adj
- moving in waves
- variable, unstable
- being movable and compressible
fluc·tu·ate ['flək-chə-,wāt, -chü-,āt] -vb, n, adj
- to shift back and forth uncertainly
- to ebb and flow in waves
- to cause to fluctuate
flue ['flü] -n
- : an enclosed passageway for directing a current: as
- a channel in a chimney for conveying flame and smoke to the outer air
- a pipe for conveying flame and hot gases around or through water in a steam boiler
- an air channel leading to the lip of a wind instrument
- flue pipe
fluecured [-,kyu̇rd] -adj
- cured with heat transmitted through a flue without exposure to smoke or fumes
flu·en·cy ['flü-ən(t)-sē] -n
- the quality or state of being fluent
flu·ent ['flü-ənt] -adj, adv
- capable of flowing : fluid
- capable of moving with ease and grace
- the fluent body of a dancer
- capable of using a language easily and accurately
- effortlessly smooth and flowing : polished
- having or showing mastery of a subject or skill
flue pipe -n
- an organ pipe whose tone is produced by an air current striking the lip and causing the air within to vibrate
flue stop -n
- an organ stop made up of flue pipes
fluff ['fləf] -n
- down
- something fluffy
- something inconsequential
- blunder
- an actor's lapse of memory
- to make fluffy
- birds fluff ing up their feathers
- to spoil by a mistake : botch
- to deliver badly or forget (one's lines) in a play
- to become fluffy
- to make a mistake
- to forget or bungle one's lines in a play
fluffy ['flə-fē] -adj, adv, n
- covered with or resembling fluff
- being light and soft or airy : puffed up
- lacking in meaning or substance : superficial
flu·gel·horn ['flü-gəl-,hȯrn, 'flᵫ-] -n
- a valved brass instrument resembling a cornet but having a larger bore
flu·id ['flü-əd] -adj, adv, n
- having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass and that easily yield to pressure : capable of flowing
- subject to change or movement
- characterized by or employing a smooth easy style
- the ballerina's fluid movements
- fluid recitation of his lines
- available for various uses
- liquid
fluid ['flü-ə-dᵊl] -n, adj, adv
- a substance (as a liquid or gas) tending to flow or conform to the outline of its container
fluid dram [,flü-ə(d)-'dram] -n
- a unit of liquid capacity equal to fluid ounce
flu·id·ex·tract [,flü-əd-'ek-,strakt] -n
- an alcohol preparation of a plant-derived drug containing the active constituents of one gram of the dry drug in each milliliter
flu·id·ic [flü-'i-dik] -adj, n, n pl but sing in constr
- of, relating to, or being a device (as an amplifier or control) that depends for operation on the pressures and flows of a fluid in precisely shaped channels
flu·id·i·ty [flü-'i-də-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being fluid
- the physical property of a substance that enables it to flow
flu·id·ize ['flü-ə-,dīz] -vt, n
- to cause to flow like a fluid
- to suspend (as solid particles) in a rapidly moving stream of gas or vapor to induce flowing motion of the whole
fluidized bed -n
- a bed of small solid particles (as in a coal burning furnace) suspended and kept in motion by an upward flow of a fluid (as a gas) called also fluid bed
fluid mechanics -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- a branch of mechanics dealing with the properties of liquids and gases
fluid ounce -n
- a U.S. unit of liquid capacity equal to pint
- a British unit of liquid capacity equal to pint
fluke ['flük] -n
- flatfish
- a flattened digenetic trematode worm
- trematode
- the part of an anchor that fastens in the ground
- one of the lobes of a whale's tail
- an accidentally successful stroke at billiards or pool
- a stroke of luck
- the discovery was a fluke
fluky ['flü-kē] -adj
- happening by or depending on chance
- being unsteady or uncertain used esp. of wind
flume ['flüm] -n
- an inclined channel for conveying water (as for power)
- a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it
flum·mery ['fləm-rē, 'flə-mə-] -n
- a soft jelly or porridge made with flour or meal
- any of several sweet desserts
- mummery, mumbo jumbo
flum·mox ['flə-məks, -miks] -vt
- confuse
flump ['fləmp]
- to move or fall suddenly and heavily
- flump ed down into the chair
- to place or drop with a flump
- a dull heavy sound (as of a fall)
flung ['fliŋ] -vb, n
(variant of fling)
- to move in a brusque or headlong manner
- flung out of the room in a rage
- to kick or plunge vigorously
- caper
- to throw forcefully, impetuously, or casually
- flung herself down on the sofa
- clothes were flung on the floor
- to cast as if by throwing
- to place or send suddenly and unceremoniously
- was arrested and flung into prison
- to give unrestrainedly
- an act or instance of flinging
- a casual try or involvement
- a casual or brief love affair
- a period devoted to self-indulgence
flunk ['fləŋk] -vb, n
- to fail esp. in an examination or course
- to give a failing grade to
- to get a failing grade or result in
- an act or instance of flunking
flunk out -vi
- to be dismissed from a school or college for failure
- to dismiss from a school or college for failure
flun·ky ['fləŋ-kē] -n
- a liveried servant
- one performing menial or miscellaneous duties
- yes-man
flu·o·cin·o·lone ac·e·to·nide [,flü-ə-'si-nə-,lōn-,a-sə-'tō-,nīd] -n
- a glucocorticoid steroid C 24H 30F 2O 6used esp. as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of skin diseases
flu·or ['flü-,ȯr, 'flü-ər] -n
- fluorite
fluor- -comb form
- fluorine
- fluorescence
fluo·resce [flu̇-'res, flȯ-] -vi, n
- to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence
fluo·res·ce·in [-'re-sē-ən] -n
- a yellow or red crystalline dye C 20H 12O 5with a bright yellow-green fluorescence in alkaline solution
fluo·res·cence [-'re-sᵊn(t)s] -n
- luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usu. at a different wavelength and that ceases almost at once when the incident radiation stops
- the radiation emitted
fluo·res·cent [-sᵊnt] -adj, n, adv
- having or relating to fluorescence
- bright and glowing as a result of fluorescence
- very bright in color
fluorescent lamp -n
- a usu. tubular electric lamp having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface and containing mercury vapor whose bombardment by electrons from the cathode provides ultraviolet light which causes the material to emit visible light
fluo·ri·date ['flu̇r-ə-,dāt, 'flȯr-] -vt, n
- to add a fluoride to (as drinking water) to reduce tooth decay
fluo·ride ['flȯr-,īd, 'flu̇r-] -n
- a compound of fluorine
- the monovalent anion of fluorine
fluo·ri·nate ['flȯr-ə-,nāt, 'flu̇r-] -vt, n
- to treat or cause to combine with fluorine or a compound of fluorine
fluo·rine ['flu̇r-,ēn, 'flȯr-] -n
- a nonmetallic halogen element that is isolated as a pale yellowish flammable irritating toxic diatomic gas
fluo·rite ['flu̇r-,īt, 'flȯr-] -n
- a transparent or translucent mineral of different colors that consists of the fluoride of calcium and is used esp. as a steelmaking flux and in the making of opalescent and opaque glasses
fluo·ro·car·bon [,flu̇r-ō-'kär-bən, ,flȯr-] -n
- any of various chemically inert compounds containing carbon and fluorine used chiefly as lubricants, refrigerants, nonstick coatings, and formerly aerosol propellants and in making resins and plastics
- chlorofluorocarbon
fluo·ro·chrome ['flu̇r-ə-,krōm, ,flȯr-] -n
- any of various fluorescent substances used in biological staining to produce fluorescence in a specimen
fluo·rog·ra·phy [flu̇-'rä-grə-fē, flȯ-] -n, adj
- the photography of the image produced on a fluorescent screen by X rays
fluo·rom·e·ter [flu̇-'rä-mə-tər, flȯ-] -n, adj
- an instrument for measuring fluorescence and related phenomena (as intensity of radiation)
flu·o·ro·quin·o·lone [,flu̇r-ō-'kwi-nə-,lōn] -n
- any of a group of fluorinated derivatives of quinolone that are used as antibacterial drugs
fluo·ro·scope ['flu̇r-ə-,skōp, 'flȯr-] -n, adj, adv
- an instrument used for observing the internal structure of an opaque object (as the living body) by means of X-rays
fluoroscope -vt
- to examine by fluoroscopy
fluo·ro·sis [flu̇-'rō-səs, flȯ-] -n, adj
- an abnormal condition (as mottling of the teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
fluo·ro·ura·cil [,flu̇r-ō-'yu̇r-ə-,sil, -,səl, ,flȯr-] -n
- a fluorine-containing pyrimidine base C 4H 3FN 2O 2used as a neoplastic agent to treat some kinds of cancer
fluor·spar ['flu̇r-,spär, 'flȯr-] -n
- fluorite
flu·ox·e·tine [flü-'äk-sə-,tēn] -n
- an antidepressant drug C 17H 18F 3NO that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride and enhances serotonin activity
flu·phen·azine [flü-'fe-nə-,zēn] -n
- a tranquilizer C 22H 26F 3N 3OS used esp. in the form of its hydrochloride
flur·ry ['flər-ē, 'flə-rē] -n
- a gust of wind
- a brief light snowfall
- a brief period of commotion or excitement
- a sudden occurrence of many things at once : barrage
- a brief advance or decline in prices : a short-lived outburst of trading activity
flurry -vb
- to cause to become agitated and confused
- to move in an agitated or confused manner
flush ['fləsh] -vb
- to fly away suddenly
- to cause (as a bird) to flush
- to expose or chase from a place of concealment
- flush ed the boys from their hiding place
- a hand of playing cards all of the same suit
- a poker hand containing five cards of the same suit but not in sequence
- a series of three or more slalom gates set vertically on a slope
- a sudden flow (as of water)
- a rinsing or cleansing with or as if with a flush of water
- a sudden increase or expansion
- sudden and usu. abundant new plant growth
- the spring flush of grass
- a surge of emotion
- felt a flush of anger at the insult
- a tinge of red : blush
- a fresh and vigorous state
- in the first flush of womanhood
- a transitory sensation of extreme heat
- to flow and spread suddenly and freely
- to glow brightly
- blush
- to produce new growth
- the plants flush twice during the year
- to cause to flow
- to pour liquid over or through
- to cleanse or wash out with or as if with a rush of liquid
- inflame, excite usu. used passively
- to cause to blush
- of a ruddy healthy color
- full of life and vigor : lusty
- filled to overflowing
- affluent
- readily available : abundant
- having or forming a continuous plane or unbroken surface
- : directly abutting or immediately adjacent: as
- set even with an edge of a type page or column : having no indention
- arranged edge to edge so as to fit snugly
- in a flush manner
- squarely
- hit him flush on the chin
- to make flush
- flush the headings on a page
flush·able ['flə-shə-bəl] -adj
- suitable for disposal by flushing down a toilet
flus·ter ['fləs-tər] -vb, adv
- to make tipsy
- to put into a state of agitated confusion : upset
- to move or behave in an agitated or confused manner
fluster -n
- a state of agitated confusion
flute ['flüt] -n, adj
- recorder
- a keyed woodwind instrument consisting of a cylindrical tube which is stopped at one end and which has a side hole over which air is blown to produce the tone and having a range from middle C upward for three octaves
- : something long and slender: as
- a tall slender wineglass
- a grooved pleat (as on a hat brim)
- a rounded groove
- one of the vertical parallel grooves on a classical architectural column
- to play a flute
- to produce a flutelike sound
- to utter with a flutelike sound
- to form flutes in
flut·ed -adj
- having or marked by grooves
fluting -n
- a series of flutes
- fluted material
flut·ist ['flü-tist] -n
- one who plays a flute
flut·ter ['flə-tər] -vb, n, adj
- to flap the wings rapidly
- to move with quick wavering or flapping motions
- to vibrate in irregular spasms
- to move about or behave in an agitated aimless manner
- to cause to flutter
flutter -n
- an act of fluttering
- a state of nervous confusion or excitement
- flurry, commotion
- abnormal spasmodic fluttering of a body part
- treatment of atrial flutter
- a distortion in reproduced sound similar to but of a higher pitch than wow
- fluctuation in the brightness of a television image
- an unwanted oscillation (as of an aileron or a bridge) set up by natural forces
- a small speculative venture or gamble
flutter kick -n
- an alternating whipping motion of the legs used in various swimming styles (as the crawl)
flutter sleeve -n
- a loose-fitting tapered sleeve falling in folds over the upper arm
flu·vi·al ['flü-vē-əl] -adj
- of, relating to, or living in a stream or river
- produced by the action of a stream
flu·vi·a·tile ['flü-vē-ə-,tī(-ə)l] -adj
- fluvial
flux ['fləks] -n
- : a flowing of fluid from the body: as
- diarrhea
- dysentery
- a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream)
- a continued flow : flood
- influx
- change, fluctuation
- a substance used to promote fusion (as of metals or minerals)
- one (as rosin) applied to surfaces to be joined by soldering, brazing, or welding to clean and free them from oxide and promote their union
- the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface
- to cause to become fluid
- to treat with a flux
- to become fluid : fuse
flux·gate ['fləks-,gāt] -n
- a device used to indicate the direction and intensity of the magnetic field (as on a planet)
flux·ion ['flək-shən] -n, adj
- the action of flowing or changing
- something subjected to such action
- derivative
fly ['flī] -vb
- to move in or pass through the air with wings
- to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
- to float, wave, or soar in the air
- flags fly ing at half-mast
- to take flight : flee
- to fade and disappear : vanish
- to move, pass, or spread quickly
- to be moved with sudden extreme emotion
- to seem to pass quickly
- to become expended or dissipated rapidly
- to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft
- to work successfully : win popular acceptance
- knew...a pure human-rights approach would not fly -- Charles Brydon
- to cause to fly, float, or hang in the air
- to operate (as a balloon, aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft) in flight
- to journey over or through by flying
- to flee or escape from
- avoid, shun
- to transport by aircraft or spacecraft
- the action or process of flying : flight
- a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery
- flywheel
- the space over a theater stage where scenery and equipment can be hung
- : something attached by one edge: as
- a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth extending over the fastener
- the length of an extended flag from its staff or support
- the outer or loose end of a flag
- a baseball hit high into the air
- flyleaf
- a sheet of material (as canvas) that is attachable to a tent for use as a double top or as a rooflike extension
- a football pass pattern in which the receiver runs straight downfield
- to hit a fly in baseball
- a winged insect usu. used in combination
- any of a large order (Diptera) of winged or rarely wingless insects (as the housefly, mosquito, or gnat) that have the anterior wings functional, the posterior wings reduced to halteres, and segmented often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae
- a large stout-bodied fly
- a fishhook dressed (as with feathers or tinsel) to suggest an insect
- keen, artful
fly·able ['flī-ə-bəl] -adj
- suitable for flying or for being flown
fly agaric -n
- a medium to large poisonous amanita mushroom ( Amanita muscaria) with a usu. bright red cap
fly ash -n
- fine solid particles of ashes, dust, and soot carried out from burning fuel (as coal or oil) by the draft
fly·away ['flī-ə-,wā] -adj
- loose and flowing esp. because of unconfined fullness at the back
- of, relating to, or being an aircraft that is ready to fly
- the plane's flyaway price
fly ball -n
- fly
fly·blow [-,blō] -n
- fly-strike
flyblow -vt
- taint, contaminate
- to deposit eggs or young larvae of a flesh fly or blowfly in
fly·blown ['flī-,blōn] -adj
- not pure : tainted
- a world flyblown with the vices of irresponsible power -- V. L. Parrington
- not bright and new : seedy, moth-eaten
- trite, hackneyed
- a long list of flyblown metaphors -- Horizon
- infested with eggs or young larvae of a flesh fly or blowfly
- covered with flyspecks
fly·boy ['flī-,bȯi] -n
- a member of the air force
- an aircraft pilot
fly·bridge ['flī-,brij] -n
- an open deck on a cabin cruiser located above the bridge on the cabin roof and usu. having a duplicate set of navigating equipment
fly·by ['flī-,bī] -n
- a prearranged usu. low-altitude flight by one or more airplanes over a public gathering (as an air show)
- a flight of a spacecraft past a celestial body (as Mars) close enough to obtain scientific data
- a spacecraft that makes a flyby
flybynight ['flī-bī-,nīt] -n
- one that seeks to evade responsibilities and esp. creditors by flight
- one without established reputation or standing
- a shaky business enterprise
- given to making a quick profit usu. by shady or irresponsible acts
- transitory, passing
flybynight·er [,flī-bī-'nī-tər] -n
- fly-by-night
flybywire ['flī-bī-,wī(-ə)r] -adj
- of, relating to, being, or utilizing a flight-control system in which controls are operated electrically rather than mechanically
fly casting -n
- the casting of artificial flies in fly-fishing or as a competitive sport
fly·catch·er ['flī-,ka-chər, -,ke-] -n
- any of various passerine birds (families Muscicapidae and Tyrannidae) that feed on insects taken on the wing
fly dope -n
- an insect repellent
flyer ['flī(-ə)r] -n
(variant of flier)
- one that flies
- airman
- a reckless or speculative venture usu. used in the phrase take a flier
- an advertising circular
fly fisherman -n
- an angler who uses the technique of fly-fishing
flyfish·ing ['flī-,fi-shiŋ] -n, vi
- a method of fishing in which an artificial fly is cast by use of a fly rod, a reel, and a relatively heavy oiled or treated line
fly front ['flī-,frənt] -n, adj
- a concealed closing on the front of a coat, skirt, shirt, dress, or pants
fly gallery -n
- a narrow raised platform at the side of a theater stage from which flying scenery lines are operated
flying -adj
- moving or capable of moving in the air
- moving or made by moving rapidly
- very brief
- intended for ready movement or action
- having stylized wings used esp. of livestock brand marks
- of or relating to the operation of aircraft
- traversed or to be traversed (as in speed-record trials) after a running start
- travel by air
- the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft
flying boat -n
- a seaplane with a hull designed for floating
flying bomb -n
- buzz bomb
flying bridge -n
- the highest navigational bridge on a ship
- flybridge
flying buttress -n
- a masonry structure that typically consists of a straight inclined bar carried on an arch and a solid pier or buttress against which it abuts and that receives the thrust of a roof or vault
Flying Dutchman -n
- a legendary Dutch mariner condemned to sail the seas until Judgment Day
- a spectral ship that according to legend haunts the seas near the Cape of Good Hope
flying fish -n
- any of numerous bony fishes (family Exocoetidae) chiefly of tropical and warm seas that are capable of long gliding flights out of water by spreading their large pectoral fins like wings
flying fox -n
- fruit bat
flying gurnard -n
- any of several marine fishes (family Dactylopteridae) that resemble gurnards and have large pectoral fins allowing them to glide above the water for short distances
flying jib -n
- a sail outside the jib on an extension of the jibboom
flying lemur -n
- either of two East Indian or Philippine arboreal nocturnal mammals ( Cynocephalus volansand C. variegatus) that are about the size of a cat, that make long gliding leaps using a broad fold of skin on each side attached to and extending between the limbs, and that are placed in a separate order (Dermoptera)
flying machine -n
- an apparatus for navigating the air
flying mare -n
- a wrestling maneuver in which an opponent is seized by the wrist and thrown to the ground by being pulled over the back of the aggressor
flying officer -n
- a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a first lieutenant in the army
flying saucer -n
- any of various unidentified flying objects usu. described as being saucer-shaped or disk-shaped
flying spot -n
- a spot of light moved over a surface (as one bearing printing or an image) so that light reflected from or transmitted by different parts of the surface is translated into electrical signals for transmission (as in television or computers)
flying squad -n
- a usu. small standby group of people ready to move or act swiftly
- a police unit formed to respond quickly in an emergency
flying squirrel -n
- either of two small nocturnal No. American squirrels ( Glaucomys volansand G. sabrinus) with folds of skin connecting the forelegs and hind legs that enable it to make long gliding leaps
- any of various squirrels that possess a patagium
flying start -n
- a start in racing in which the participants are already moving when they cross the starting line or receive the starting signal
- a favorable start of something
flying wedge -n
- a moving formation (as of guards or police) resembling a wedge
fly·leaf ['flī-,lēf] -n
- one of the free endpapers of a book
fly·man [-mən, -,man] -n
- a worker in the flies of a theater who manipulates curtains and scenery
fly net -n
- a net to exclude or keep off insects (as from a harness horse)
flyonthewall -adj
- having or involving an inconspicuous but effective point of observation
- flyonthewall observations of aspects of daily life -- Will Manley
fly·over ['flī-,ō-vər] -n
- overpass
- flyby
fly·pa·per [-,pā-pər] -n
- paper coated with a sticky often poisonous substance for killing flies
fly·past [-,past] -n
- flyby
fly rod ['flī-,rä-dər] -n
- a light springy fishing rod used in fly casting
flysch ['flish] -n
- a thick and extensive deposit largely of sandstone that is formed in a geosyncline adjacent to a rising mountain belt and is esp. common in the Alpine region of Europe
fly sheet -n
- a small loose advertising sheet : handbill
- a sheet of a folder, booklet, or catalog giving directions for the use of or information about the material that follows
fly·speck ['flī-,spek] -n, vt
- a speck made by fly excrement
- something small and insignificant
flystrike [-,strīk] -n, adj
- infestation with fly maggots
fly·swat·ter [-,swä-tər] -n
- a device for killing insects that consists of a flat piece of perforated rubber or plastic or fine-mesh wire netting attached to a handle
fly·ti·er ['flī-,tī(-ə)r] -n
- a person who makes flies for fishing
flyt·ing ['flī-tiŋ] -n
- a dispute or exchange of personal abuse in verse form
fly·way ['flī-,wā] -n
- an established air route of migratory birds
fly·weight [-,wāt] -n
- a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 112 pounds
fly·wheel [-,hwēl, -,wēl] -n
- a heavy wheel for opposing and moderating by its inertia any fluctuation of speed in the machinery with which it revolves
- a similar wheel used for storing kinetic energy (as for motive power)
fly whisk -n
- a whisk for brushing away flies