n.
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural flies
Date: before 12th century
1 : the action or process of flying : FLIGHT
2 a : a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery b : FLYWHEEL
3 plural : the space over a theater stage where scenery and equipment can be hung
4 : something attached by one edge: as a : a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth extending over the fastener b (1) : the length of an extended flag from its staff or support (2) : the outer or loose end of a flag
5 : a baseball hit high into the air
6 : FLYLEAF
7 : a sheet of material (as canvas) that is attachable to a tent for use as a double top or as a rooflike extension
8 : a football pass pattern in which the receiver runs straight downfield
– on the fly
1 : in motion : BUSY
2 : while still in the air : without the ball bouncing <the home run carried 450 feet on the fly >
3 : in a hurry and often without preparation : HASTILY , SPONTANEOUSLY <making decisions on the fly >
4 : simultaneously with another task <software that handles formatting on the fly >