fluke

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a stroke of luck

Definition categories: phenomenon, fortune, luck

2. a barb on a harpoon or arrow

Definition categories: man–made, barb

3. flat bladelike projection on the arm of an anchor

Similar word(s): flue

Definition categories: man–made, projection

4. either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean

Definition categories: animal, tail

5. parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host

Similar word(s): trematode

Definition categories: animal, flatworm, platyhelminth

Sentences with fluke as a noun:

- The first goal was just a fluke.

- The man had become infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.

- The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it.

- The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged.

- The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point.

- After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.

verb

1. To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.

- I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.

2. (snooker) To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.

- He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.