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Halibut vs Fluke - What's the difference?

halibut | fluke |

As nouns the difference between halibut and fluke

is that halibut is a large flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus, which sometimes leaves the ocean floor and swims vertically while fluke is a lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.

As a verb fluke is

to obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.

As a proper noun Fluke is

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

halibut

English

Noun

(en-noun)
  • A large flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus , which sometimes leaves the ocean floor and swims vertically.
  • * {{quote-book
  • , year=1960 , author= , title=(Jeeves in the Offing) , section=chapter IV , passage=[...] she frowned a displeased frown and told me for heaven's sake to stop goggling like a dead halibut .}}

    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.

    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.

    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