flutter

flutter [flut′ər]

vi.

[ME floteren < OE flotorian, freq. of flotian < base of fleotan: see FLEET²]

1. to flap the wings rapidly, as in short flight or without flying at all

2. to wave or vibrate rapidly and irregularly [a flag fluttering in the wind]

3. to move with quick vibrations, flaps, etc.

4. to be in a state of tremulous excitement; tremble; quiver

5. to move restlessly; bustle

vt.

1. to cause to move in quick, irregular motions

2. to throw into a state of excitement, alarm, or confusion

n.

1. a fluttering movement; vibration

2. a state of excitement or confusion

3. a condition of the heart in which the contractions are very rapid but generally regular

4. a potentially destructive vibration of a part of an aircraft, as the wing, caused by aerodynamic forces

5. Brit. a small gamble or speculation

6.

a) a rapid fluctuation in the amplitude of a reproduced sound: cf. WOW²

b) a flicker in the image on a television screen

flutterer

n.

fluttery

adj.