Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Fluke?

\Fluke\ (fl[=u]k), n. [Cf. AS. fl[=o]c a kind of flatfish, Icel. fl[=o]ki a kind of halibut.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) The European flounder. See {Flounder}. [Written also {fleuk}, {flook}, and {flowk}]. 2. (Zo["o]l.) A parasitic trematode worm of several species, having a flat, lanceolate body and two suckers. Two species ({Fasciola hepatica} and {Distoma lanceolatum}) are found in the livers of sheep, and produce the disease called rot.
\Fluke\ (fl[=u]k), n. [Cf. LG. flunk, flunka wing, the palm of an anchor; perh. akin to E. fly.] 1. The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See {Anchor}. 2. (Zo["o]l.) One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor. 3. An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting. 4. An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke. [Cant, Eng.] --A. Trollope.
\Fluke\, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. {Fluked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Fluking}.] To get or score by a fluke; as, to fluke a play in billiards. [Slang]