I. ˈflipə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: flip (I) + -er
1.
a. : a broad flat limb adapted for swimming (as those of seals, whales, or sea turtles)
b. : a broad flat usually rubber shoe with the front expanded into a paddle used in skin diving and some other aquatic sports — called also fin
2. : one that flips or is used in flipping: as
a. slang : arm
b.
(1) : griddle cake
(2) : a utensil used to turn griddle cakes
c. : a device that is essentially a lever actuated by a small steam engine and that is used for moving lumber in a sawmill
d. : a sealed can (as of processed food) in which internal pressure causes the ends to bulge
3. : a narrow flat hinged to a larger piece of theatrical scenery
4. : a strip of rubberized fabric used to strengthen the union between the wire-cored bead and the sidewall of a pneumatic tire
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
: to progress by means of flippers
transitive verb
1. : to equip with flippers
2. : to move like a flipper
languidly flippering a washcloth to and fro — Christopher Morley