FLUKE

fluke, trematode, trematode worm

(noun) parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host

fluke

(noun) either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean

fluke, flue

(noun) flat bladelike projection on the arm of an anchor

fluke

(noun) a barb on a harpoon or arrow

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology 1

Noun

fluke (plural flukes)

A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.

Verb

fluke (third-person singular simple present flukes, present participle fluking, simple past and past participle fluked)

To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.

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

Etymology 2

Noun

fluke (plural flukes)

A flounder.

A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the Trematoda class, related to the tapeworm.

Etymology 3

Noun

fluke (plural flukes)

Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.

(nautical) Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.

A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a bill), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.

In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.

Waste cotton.

Proper noun

Fluke

A surname.

Source: Wiktionary

Fluke, n. Etym: [Cf. LG. flunk, flunka wing, the palm of an anchor; perh. akin to E. fly.]

1. The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See Anchor.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor.

3. An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting.

4. An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke. [Cant, Eng.] A. Trollope.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition