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Fluke vs Flume - What's the difference?

fluke | flume |

As nouns the difference between fluke and flume

is that fluke is a lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated while flume is a ravine or gorge, usually one with water running through.

As a verb fluke

is to obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.

As a proper noun Fluke

is {{surname|from=|lang=en}.

fluke

English

Etymology 1

Of uncertain or obscure origin. It seems to have originally referred to a lucky shot at billiards.

Noun

(en noun)
  • A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.
    • The first goal was just a fluke .

    Verb

    (fluk)
  • To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
    • I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
  • (snooker) To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
    • He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.

    Related terms

    * flukey/fluky

    Etymology 2

    (etyl)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A flounder.
  • A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the Trematoda class, related to the tapeworm.
    • The man had become infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.
    Related terms
    * flukeworm

    Etymology 3

    Possibly as Etymology 2 or from (etyl)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.
    • The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it.
  • (nautical) Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.
    • The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged.
  • A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a ), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.
    • The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point.
  • In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.
    • After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.
    Derived terms
    * turn flukes

    References

    * Wikipedia article on trematode

    flume

    English

    Noun

    (wikipedia flume) (en noun)
  • A ravine or gorge, usually one with water running through.
  • An open channel or trough used to direct or divert liquids.