flute
UK[fluːt]US[fluːt]
n
a musical instrument of the woodwind family, a straight tube that you play by blowing across a hole near one end while holding it sideways.
n
a tall, narrow wine glass, typically used for champagne.
v
to play a tune on a flute.
v
to make long, rounded grooves or channels in something.
Etymology
the word "flute" entered english in the 14th century from old french, where it was spelled "flaute" or "fleute." its ultimate origin is obscure but is likely onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of blowing air across an opening, which is the fundamental action of playing the instrument. this imitative root connects the word directly to the sound it produces, a common origin for the names of musical instruments. over time, the word's application broadened metaphorically to describe objects with a similar long, hollow shape, such as a champagne glass or architectural grooves.
Analysis
the word "flute" is a simplex form. its immediate source is the old french "flaute" or "fleute". its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be from a root imitative of the sound of blowing.
Examples
she played a beautiful melody on her flute.
the champagne was served in elegant crystal flutes.
the ancient columns were fluted with vertical grooves.