- Flute
- Flute Flute, n. [OE. floute, floite, fr. OF. fla["u]te,
flahute, flahuste, F. fl?te; cf. LL. flauta, D. fluit. See
{Flute}, v. i.]
1. A musical wind instrument, consisting of a hollow cylinder
or pipe, with holes along its length, stopped by the
fingers or by keys which are opened by the fingers. The
modern flute is closed at the upper end, and blown with
the mouth at a lateral hole.
[1913 Webster]
The breathing flute's soft notes are heard around. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. (Arch.) A channel of curved section; -- usually applied to one of a vertical series of such channels used to decorate columns and pilasters in classical architecture. See Illust. under {Base}, n. [1913 Webster]
3. A similar channel or groove made in wood or other material, esp. in plaited cloth, as in a lady's ruffle. [1913 Webster]
4. A long French breakfast roll. --Simonds. [1913 Webster]
5. A stop in an organ, having a flutelike sound. [1913 Webster]
{Flute bit}, a boring tool for piercing ebony, rosewood, and other hard woods.
{Flute pipe}, an organ pipe having a sharp lip or wind-cutter which imparts vibrations to the column of air in the pipe. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.