flute

 
Pronunciation: /fluːt/

noun

  • 1a wind instrument made from a tube with holes that are stopped by the fingers or keys, held vertically or horizontally (in which case it is also called a transverse flute) so that the player’s breath strikes a narrow edge. The modern orchestral form is a transverse flute, typically made of metal, with an elaborate set of keys.
  • an organ stop with wooden or metal flue pipes producing a tone similar to that of a flute.
  • 2 Architecture an ornamental vertical groove in a column.
  • a trumpet-shaped frill on a dress or other garment.
  • 3a tall, narrow wine glass: a flute of champagne

verb

  • 1 [no object] literary play a flute or pipe.
  • speak in a melodious way: ‘What do you do?’ she fluted
  • 2 [with object] make flutes or grooves in.

Derivatives

flute-like

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French flahute, probably from Provençal flaüt, perhaps a blend of flaujol 'flageolet' + laüt 'lute'