flutter (ˈflʌtə
)
Definitions
verb
- to wave or cause to wave rapidly; flap
- (intr) (of birds, butterflies, etc) to flap the wings
- (intr) to move, esp downwards, with an irregular motion
- (intr) pathology (of the auricles of the heart) to beat abnormally rapidly, esp in a regular rhythm
- to be or make nervous or restless
- (intr) to move about restlessly
- swimming to cause (the legs) to move up and down in a flutter kick or (of the legs) to move in this way
- (tr) British informal to wager or gamble (a small amount of money)
noun
- a quick flapping or vibrating motion
- a state of nervous excitement or confusion
- excited interest; sensation; stir
- British informal a modest bet or wager
- pathology an abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (200 to 400 beats per minute), esp in a regular rhythm, sometimes resulting in heart block
- electronics a slow variation in pitch in a sound-reproducing system, similar to wow but occurring at higher frequencies
- a potentially dangerous oscillation of an aircraft, or part of an aircraft, caused by the interaction of aerodynamic forces, structural elastic reactions, and inertia
- swimming See flutter kick
- flutter tonguingmusic a method of sounding a wind instrument, esp the flute, with a rolling movement of the tongue
Alternative Forms
ˈflutterer noun ˈflutteringly adverb Word Origin
Old English floterian to float to and fro; related to German flattern; see float
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
beat,
bat,
flap,
tremble,
shiver,
flicker,
ripple,
waver,
fluctuate,
agitate,
ruffle,
quiver,
vibrate,
palpitate,
=
agitation,
state,
confusion,
excitement,
flap,
tremble,
flurry,
dither,
commotion,
fluster,
tumult,
perturbation,
state of nervous excitement
