flute
flute (flt) noun
Abbr. fl.
1. Music. a. A high-pitched woodwind instrument consisting of a slender tube closed at one end with keys and finger holes on the side and an opening near the closed end across which the breath is blown. Also called transverse flute. b. Any of various similar reedless woodwind instruments, such as the recorder. c. An organ stop whose flue pipe produces a flutelike tone.
2. a. Architecture. A long, usually rounded groove incised as a decorative motif on the shaft of a column, for example. b. A similar groove or furrow, as in a pleated ruffle of cloth or on a piece of furniture.
3. A tall, narrow wineglass, often used for champagne.
verb
fluted, fluting, flutes
verb, transitive
1. Music. To play (a tune) on a flute.
2. To produce in a flutelike tone.
3. To make flutes in (a column, for example).
verb, intransitive
1. Music. To play a flute.
2. To sing, whistle, or speak with a flutelike tone.
[Middle English floute, from Old French flaute and from Middle Dutch flute (Middle Dutch, from Old French), from Old Provençal, perhaps a blend of flaujol, flageolet (from Vulgar Latin *flābeolum). See flageolet laut, lute. See lute1.]
flutʹer noun
flutʹey or flutʹy adjective