I. ˈfləd.ə(r), -ətə- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English floteren to float, flutter, from Old English floterian to be tossed by the waves, float to and fro, freq. of flotian to float — more at float
intransitive verb
1. : to move or flap the wings rapidly without flying or with short flights
butterflies fluttering among the flowers
2. : to move with quick vibrations or undulations
a sail flutters in the wind
a fluttering fan
his pulse flutters
3.
a. : to move about agitatedly, irregularly, or with great bustle and show without much result : flit
she fluttered through her chores, pausing often to chat
b. : to be in a state of trembling agitation (as from fear, hope, or anticipation) : quake , quiver
fluttered at the sight of her escort
transitive verb
1. : to move or vibrate rapidly and often irregularly
the young bird fluttered its wings but could not get off the ground
2. : to throw into confusion or agitation
a man to flutter girlish hearts
3. : to utter with agitation or confusion
fluttered a few words of congratulation
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an act of fluttering : quick and irregular motion : flickering , vibration
a flutter of flame
the flutter of a fan
2. : nervous or aimless activity or state : agitation , confusion , disorder
was in a flutter until he got home
as
a. : a brief run or burst of speed
b. : a sudden but usually slight stir (as of excitement or activity in the stock market) : flurry
a flutter of buying of better-class bonds
a flutter of indignation followed his remarks
c. chiefly Britain : a small speculative venture or gamble
took a flutter on the ponies
had a little flutter in grain futures that did well
d. : an abnormal state characterized by rapid spasmodic and usually rhythmic motion of a body part
diaphragmatic flutter
affected with a serious ventricular flutter
3.
a. obsolete : stir , ostentation , display
b. : delicate fluffy daintiness (as of manner or dress)
all femininity and flutter
4.
a. : a distortion in reproduced sound similar to wow in origin but of higher pitch
b. : fluctuation in the brightness of a television receiver image
5. or flutter kick : an alternating whipping motion of the legs used in swimming (as in the crawl and backstroke)
6. : an oscillation of definite period but unstable character set up in a part (as an aileron) of an aircraft at a definite critical speed and maintained by a combination of aerodynamic, inertial, and elastic forces ; also : such an oscillation occurring in other structures (as a bridge)
7. : a group or collection of fluttering things
a flutter of pretty girls