fluke
UK[fluːk]US[fluːk]
n
A surprising and unexpected piece of good luck or success.
n
A parasitic flatworm which typically has suckers and hooks for attachment to a host.
n
A broad triangular plate on the arm of an anchor.
n
Either of the two lobes of a whale's tail.
Etymology
The origin of 'fluke' is obscure and debated. The most likely candidate is a dialectal English word, perhaps related to Low German 'flugel' meaning 'wing', which could metaphorically connect to the idea of a lucky, fluttering chance. The term for the flatworm may derive from Old English 'flōc' meaning 'flatfish', due to a resemblance in shape. The nautical and anatomical senses likely stem from separate dialectal roots referring to broad, flat objects. These diverse meanings converged on the same spelling by historical accident, making 'fluke' a classic example of a homograph where unrelated words have become identical in form.
Analysis
The word 'fluke' is a simplex word of uncertain origin. It is considered unsegmentable into meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
Winning the lottery was a complete fluke.
The biologist studied the liver fluke under a microscope.
The anchor held fast, its fluke buried deep in the seabed.