flutter

present singular third person flutters · participle present fluttering · participle past fluttered · past fluttered

1. intransitiveTo flap or wave quickly but irregularly.

   flags fluttering in the wind

   1 more example

   Long after his cigar burnt bitter, he sat with eyes fixed on the blaze. When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped ; but he had lost all reckoning of time when he opened them again to find Miss Erroll in furs and ball-gown kneeling on the hearth and heaping kindling on the coals, [...]

   1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, “Under the Ashes”, in The Younger Set, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC, page 112

2. intransitiveOf a winged animal: to flap the wings without flying; to fly with a light flapping of the wings.

   “Why, indeed?” said a Butterfly, who was fluttering about after a sunbeam.

   1888, Oscar Wilde, “The Nightingale and the Rose”, in The Happy Prince and Other Tales, London: Duckworth, published 1928, page 41

   1 more example

   Banks of gorgeous flowers were on every hand, and birds with rare and brilliant plumage sang and fluttered in the trees and bushes.

   1900 May 17, L[yman] Frank Baum, “The Council with the Munchkins”, in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Chicago, Ill.; New York, N.Y.: Geo[rge] M[elvin] Hill Co., →OCLC, page 20

3. intransitiveaerodynamicsTo undergo divergent oscillations (potentially to the point of causing structural failure) due to a positive feedback loop between elastic deformation and aerodynamic forces.
4. transitiveTo cause something to flap.

   A bird flutters its wings.

5. transitiveTo drive into disorder; to throw into confusion.

   If you haue vvrit your Annales true, 'tis there, / That like an Eagle in a Doue-cote, I / Flatter'd^([sic – meaning Flutter'd]) your Volcians in Corioles.

   c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene vi], page 30

   1 more example

   There was a clearness of expression in this, and a downright surrender of himself, which so flattered her and so fluttered her that she was almost reduced to the giving of herself up because she could not reply to such an appeal in language less courteous than that of agreement

   1869 May, Anthony Trollope, “The Honourable Mr. Glacock”, in He Knew He Was Right, volume I, London: Strahan and Company, […], →OCLC, page 104

6. intransitiveTo be in a state of agitation or uncertainty.

   It was fluttering with nervousness like a human heart. He was all in a sweat with fear, and—do you know, I don't believe the rascal is a Robot at all any longer.

   c. 1921 (date written), Karel Čapek, translated by Paul Selver, R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots): A Fantastic Melodrama […], Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1923, →OCLC, Act II, page 96

7. intransitiveobsoleteTo be frivolous.
8. slangespionageTo subject to a lie detector test.

   "Anyway, she cracked and we fluttered her and—" / "Fluttered her?" / "Sorry, gave her a polygraph, a lie detector test. And she passed, more or less, […]

   2002, Paul Eddy, Flint’s Law, page 90

   1 more example

   This was the first time that Nosenko had been subjected to a lie detector — or what the CIA called fluttering. The Soviet Union did not use such devices for interrogation.

   1978, Edward Jay Epstein, Legend: The Secret World of Lee Harvey Oswald, page 38

plural flutters

1. countableuncountableThe act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.

   Some turtles use their claw flutter as a means of communication, particularly in mating.

   5 more examples

   The eagle soared across the horizon with just a few slow flutters of its wings. The flutter of insects and bats is more rapid. Some birds also use non-flight flutters as communication and in thermoregulation.

   Fish move using a flutter of their body to propel themselves through the water. Some also derive propulsion or maneuverability from their fins' flutter.

   In the jungle the day is the time of bird song, nest building, the hum of insects, the flutter of butterflies. The night is the time of stealthy prowling, of lightning attack, of fear, of death.

   1911, Charles Livingston Bull, Under the Roof of the Jungle: A Book of Animal Life in the Guiana Wilds, L.C. Page & Company, page 4

   Their flight is rapid, with quick flutters of the wings, which seem never to be raised to the level of the body.

   2016, Sclater, P. L., Hudson, W. H., Argentine Ornithology, Volume II (of II) - A Descriptive Catalogue of the Birds of the Argentine Republic, Read Books Limited

   As she held it gingerly in her hands, one of the squares into which the creases divided it fell off from the main body, and sank with flutters to the floor.

   1924, Arnold Bennett, Riceyman Steps, page 222

   Synonyms: flap, fluttering

   1. broadlycountableuncountableThe collective flutter of many similar objects.

      leaf flutter; feather flutter

      4 more examples

      The flutter of the flock buffeted me.

      Was it the flutter of fairy beings around the form of a lovely maiden? Their very flutter was in antithetical beats.

      1901, Vida Dutton Scudder, Introduction to the Study of English, Globe School Book Company, page 339

      Here, in the summer evenings, the whole air is in motion with the flutter of fans.

      1880, The Eclectic Magazine of Foreign Literature, Science, and Art, volume 40, page 833

      The bushes with leaves that flutter are portrayed with the flutter of fingers from a squatting position and with knee bends and the rising and falling of our arms, we imitate the waves on the water near the wigwams.

      1933, Roy J. McMurray, The Journal of Health and Physical Education, volume 4, number October 1933, page 48

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering

   2. broadlycountableuncountableA flapping, crackling or rustling sound, as from a fluttering motion or any comparable sound; any series of quick repetitive sounds.

      The wind causes a flutter in the barley in the field.

      5 more examples

      I eventually found the source of the flutter, which came from clothes on a clothesline swaying with the wind.

      I find the flutter of a campfire to be soothing like a lullaby.

      She produced a loaded keyring and, with a flutter of keys, found the right one to unlock the door.

      In another instant with a flutter of keys Mary Trenzlo had flung back the trunk cover on its shimmering contents.

      1921, The Ladies Home Journal, volume 38, page 5

      When Cyrus left her there by herself she stood quite still and listened to the sounds, a variety of ticks and tocks, faint beats and flutters.

      2022, Ian Crouch, A Pyrrhic Victory Volume III — Fate, Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, page 367

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering

   3. broadlycountablefigurativelyuncountableA sound that spreads in the manner of a wave or ripple.

      A flutter of gasps spread over the crowd.

      3 more examples

      In all the flutter of peace talk, a public desire to be done with war, and a readiness to compromise through mediation, was revealed.

      2011, Barbara W. Tuchman, The First Salute, Random House Publishing

      He was greeted with flutters and exclamations from the "How interesting!" females, hailed by the Grand Lodge of Scotland as "Caledonia's Bard," and in short was marvelled at everywhere.

      1927, Joseph Auslander, Frank Ernest Hill, Theresa West Elmendorf, The Winged Horse, page 220

      There was a flutter of applause from the audience but, appreciatively, it quickly hushed itself.

      1916, Katherine Melvina Huntsinger Blackford, Arthur Newcomb, Analyzing Character, the New Science of Judging Men: Misfits in Business, the Home and Social Life, page 94

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering

   4. countableuncountableThe rapid up-and-down movement of the eyelids, and consequently eyelashes, often seen as intentionally flirtatious or alluring and often attributed to the eyes or eyebrows.

      Her eyes did a flutter.

      4 more examples

      He couldn't help but feel more attracted to her with each flutter of her eyes/lashes/eyelids.

      Bon's thighs wrapped around her waist, and Annie moved against her slowly, watching every flutter of her lashes, every gasp that spilled out.

      (Can we date this quote?), Ankitaa Kaushal, Threads of Her Heart, Forever Shinings Publication, page 37

      Sturdevant answered with a flutter of the eyes.

      2014, Richard Curtis, Death in the Crease, Open Road Media

      There was a flutter of eyelids as she sat down beside Warrington and began to chatter to him in Italian.

      1913, Parrot & Co, Bobbs-Merrill Company, page 159

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering, bat, batting

   5. countableuncountableThe movement a hand fan with a back-and-forth action using flicks of the wrist, so as to produce a graceful wave-like effect.

      The flutter of the geisha's fan was elegant.

      3 more examples

      How apt is the flutter of the fan to express the different affections of the belle : there is the angry flutter, the modest flutter, the timorous flutter, the confused flutter etc.

      1876, August Paul, Addison's Influence on the Social Reform of His Age, T.G. Meissner, page 55

      On the other hand, who ever tires of the names of Oldfield, and Bracegirdle, and Woffington? All the flutters of the fans of two centuries, and all the solid merits of bodices and petticoats, come down to us in their names; chequering Covent Garden like chintz, and bringing along with them the periwigged and scented glories of the Congreves and Steeles.

      1847, Leight Hunt, Men, Women and Books a Selection of Sketches, Essays, and Critical Memoirs from His Uncollected Prose Writing by Leigh Hunt, page 288

      As to Mrs. Merillia, although she was, in reality, near fainting in wonder at her grandon's escapade, she preserved an expression of gracious benignity, and did not allow a motion of her eyelids or a flutter of her fan to betray her emotion at finding herself the unprepared hostess of such unusual guests.

      2019, Robert Hitchens, The Prophet of Berkeley, Good Press

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering

   6. countableuncountablehobbiesThe leg motion of various strokes in swimming, especially the flutter kick.

      The flutter of your legs will propel you through the water, when you execute a proper flutter kick.

      3 more examples

      'The body is propelled, headforemost, by a fluttering" of the legs. This flutter bears some resemblance to the crawl-stroke kick-inverted. The knees are together and toes pointed in line with the legs. From the knees, the legs are, alternately, dropped a few inches and then flashed upwards again. The feet thus continually pass and repass, and the "wedges" of water driven out from between the legs force the body along.

      1879, Sid. G. Hedges, The Boy's Own Paper, volume 45, Leisure House Office, page 66

      It is called flutter kick because it is just that, a quick flutter of nearly straight legs, fast and small

      2020 April 1, “Improving Your Freestyle Stroke”, in Steve Wallen Swim School

      However, when boys used this new arm action a semi-flutter of both legs was present.

      1935, Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, volume 6, number April 1935, page 26

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering, kick

   7. countableuncountableThe motion or state of falling while fluttering or falling as to produce fluttering.

      Winged helicopter seeds fall with rapid flutters to the ground.

      5 more examples

      The Christmas tree fell in a flutter of ornaments and pine needles.

      Jessi gathered the length of hair from his shoulders to his back, the weight falling in flutters between his shoulders.

      2022, Sarah Westill, Kynhaven

      Flutters of colour fell about him, seesawing movement that marked the descent of leaves.

      2022, D K. Girl, The Fulbourn

      The notebook slipped free of Sarge's fingers, falling in a flutter of white to the ground.

      2015, Tessa Bailey, Crashed Out, Entangled Publishing, LLC

      This time the topmast fell in a flutter of canvas and shattered spars.

      2015, Karl W Heffelfinger, Headlong Into Hell

      Synonyms: flap, fluttering

2. countableuncountableA quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.

   candle flutter; tail flutter

   5 more examples

   The irregular back-and-forth flutter of this fishing lure imitates the movement of an injured or sick fish.

   Palatal flutter is a cause of sleep apnea and snoring.

   The rolled r sound of Spanish can be created with a flutter of the tongue.

   the chirp and flutter of some single bird

   c. 1838, Richard Monckton Milnes, The Forest

   (A swan) dashed suddenly forward with such a flutter that the water all round was lashed into foam.

   1866., Chatterbox, volume XXVI, United States, page 202

   Synonyms: flicker

   1. countableuncountableThe trembling movement of an iris caused by a lack of support from the lens or as a complication of cataract surgery.

      It's important to note any flutter in the iris.

      3 more examples

      Flutter, which is present in most iris-supported lenses, is minimized or virtually eliminated.

      1965, Nicholas G. Douvas, New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology, Symposium on Cataracts, Mosby, page 133

      Iris flutter, or iridodonesis, is another indirect sign of weak zonules, which hold the lens in place

      2013 December 20, “Preoperative considerations in patients with cataracts and pseudoexfoliation syndrome”, in Optometry Times

      Flutter, which is present in most iris - supported lenses, is minimized

      1979, Nicholas G. Douvas, New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology, Symposium on Cataracts: Transactions of the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology, Mosby, page 133

      Synonyms: flicker, tremulous iris, iridodonesis

   2. countableuncountableThe vibration, shaking or flapping of fabric, such as in a kite, parachute or sail; the condition of having such a flutter.

      Even a weak flutter can damage your sail.

      5 more examples

      kite flutter; parachute flutter; sail flutter

      The flutter of the tarp made it fall onto the heads of those underneath it.

      This design will reduce the chance of flutter in the parachute.

      He eyed the sail's flutter , a tactic Beatense knew.

      2021, Sailor Sim, Outward Browned

      You will see a tiny flutter, a shiver, a vibration along the luff. That flutter is your friend.

      2026, S. Williams, Sailing Basics (Points of Sail, Trimming): Harnessing Wind, NFT Publishing

      Synonyms: flicker

   3. countableuncountablebiologyThe vibration of a bird's throat by rapidly pumping air into it with the mouth open in order to reduce excess body heat; gular flutter.

      Witness the flutter of its neck, which helps to lower the bird's body temperature.

      3 more examples

      The gular flutter is characterized by a rapid flutter of the gular region caused by flexure and relaxation of the hyoid apparatus.

      2025, Brian Speer, Yvonne R.A. van Zeeland, Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery Volume II, Elsevier, page 450

      gular flutter is actuated by flexure of the hyoid apparatus

      1979, Paul D. Sturkie, editor, Avian Physiology, Springer New York, page 238

      flutter is absent altogether from passerine species

      1973, Stewart Richards, Temperature Regulation, Springer US, page 89

      Synonyms: flicker

   4. countableuncountableentertainmentA method of articulation in playing wind instruments by curving the tongue at the sides and exhaling air over it to make it vibrate; flutter-tongue.

      I've never been able to achieve a proper flutter on my flute.

      3 more examples

      This articulation is based on the rapid flutter of the tip of the tongue, with the tongue shaped as in the syllable tr or dr.

      1970, Edwin Putnik, The Art of Flute-Playing, Summy-Birchard Company, page 44

      In this method the flutter is produced by rolling the tongue rapidly against the reed as in rolling the letter "r" in “ b - r - r - r.

      1962, Frederick William Westphal, Guide to Teaching Woodwinds, W. C. Brown Company

      The oboist usually allows air to escape around the reed and loosens the embouchure to accommodate the flutter.

      (Can we date this quote?), Jacquline LeClair, “Flutter Tonguing: Oboe & English Horn”, in BandDirector.com

      Synonyms: flicker

   5. countableuncountableentertainmentAny of several vocal effects, actions, techniques or conditions, notably tremolo, vibrato and trill, which are deliberately cultivated, as well as the neurological disorder vocal tremor or general strain.

      I love the flutter of the singer's voice. I could never develop the flutter needed to do that. Her flutter is excellent.

      4 more examples

      That flutter in your voice is a vocal tremor, caused by the involuntary contractions of muscles in the larynx, throat or other adjacent parts of the body.

      a rapid voice tremor or "flutter" of around 10 Hz, best detected on vowel prolongation.

      1991, J. Eric Ahlskog, Mayo Clinic. Department of Neurology, Clinical Examinations in Neurology, Mosby Year Book

      When a voice with a tremolo is pushed, or forced, the flutter of the tongue may spread to the jaw, which then moves up and down with the flutter of the tremolo; this is known as a "jaw tremolo." It may even spread to the chest, which then becomes involved in this tetanic flutter.

      1957, Douglas Stanley, Your Voice, Pitman Publishing, page 30

      The slow flutter of his vibrato gives a melancholy tinge to the proceedings.

      2014, Donna Soto-Morettini, Popular Singing and Style, Bloomsbury Publishing, page 221

      Synonyms: flicker

   6. countablefigurativelyuncountableAn exception to, or fluctuation in, a pattern; a minor and temporary deviation from an expectation; a blip in a trend; a transient shift in allegiance.

      We've never even seen a flutter in the loyalty of the MacKenzie clan.

      5 more examples

      Despite an occasional flutter, the water current still flows in the same direction as always.

      Smoking rates have been going down for a long time, despite a few regional and temporary flutters.

      The Democratic Party hasn't lost college students, this is just a flutter.

      This isn't the first flutter we've seen from them. They'll come back to us just like they always do.

      Then you need the "buffer of safety"-thirty per cent of your holdings in Miller Bonds - unaffected by the flutters of the market

      1925, G.L. Miller & Co., edited by Albert Shaw, The American Review of Reviews, volume 72, Review of Reviews, page 15

      Synonyms: flicker

   7. countablefigurativelyuncountableA state or episode of agitation, of excited anxiety or anxious excitement, or of anticipation; an act of taking a flutter (To flutter for a short period of time) or of being all of a flutter.

      in a flutter

      5 more examples

      She'd been in a flutter since receiving word that her in-laws were on the way.

      Thoughts of what he had to do tomorrow ignited a flutter to get ready.

      There was a flutter in the office today because Mr Jones came by.

      Joanna was in a giggly flutter for the pop star.

      They were upset, having a flutter about getting me on their side in the dispute.

      Synonyms: flicker, fuss · Antonyms: calm

   8. countablefigurativelyuncountableA commotion, ruckus or disturbance; a brief state of energetic activity.

      We engaged in an afternoon flutter of preparation for the party.

      5 more examples

      From my apartment, I heard a flutter in the streets, presumably in protest of the war.

      When I heard a flutter in the basement, I knew it was my daughter sneaking out to play after her bedtime.

      The head of the Florida bureau said there's a flutter among the engineers about that new policy.

      Flutters of excitement were everywhere apparent.

      1928, Charles Francis Stocking, The Identity of Douglas Bain, Maestro Company, page 239

      The next day was spent in a flutter of business.

      2010, Nevil Shute, Pied Piper, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, page 38

      Synonyms: flicker, fuss, flutter in the dovecote · Antonyms: calm

3. countableuncountableA spasmodic vibration of one or more body parts or the entire body; a shudder.

   A flutter ran through her, but she steeled her nerves and continued.

   4 more examples

   He found his eyelid flutters annoying enough to see a doctor about them.

   She had to pick her steps to avoid the flutters of the quivering, bleeding bodies.

   1907, Journal of Zoöphily, volume 14, number 3, Philadelphia: American Anti-Vivisection Society, page 26

   Eyelid flutter denotes extroversion and agitation

   1994, Jonn Munford, A Chakra & Kundalini Workbook: Psycho-spiritual Techniques for Health, Rejuvenation, Psychic Powers, and Spiritual Realization, 4th edition, Llewellyn Publications, published 2003

   Maud interrupted, with a flutter of the lip, that looked more like the effort to subdue a sneer than a sneer itself

   1875, Annie Thomas, The Maskleynes, page 130

   Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor

   1. countableuncountableThe condition or sensation of a rapid and abnormal heart rhythm; the action of a swift heartbeat.

      His heart did a flutter.

      5 more examples

      She took her own pulse to verify the flutter she felt was real.

      A flutter left him light-headed until he steadied himself by grabbing the railing.

      a message which Erle received with a flutter of the heart

      1890, Pierce Egan, The Wonder of Kingswood Chace, page 72

      A small shiver slid down her back, but she kept her smile steady, coolly amused, unflustered, despite the unwanted flutter of her pulse.

      2014, Liz Tyner, Ann Lethbridge, Elizabeth Beacon, Harlequin Historical December 2014 - Box Set 2 of 2

      But the memory of her vows yesterday settled the flutter in her heart

      2020, Janith Hooper, Let Your Heart Beat Again

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor

   2. countableuncountableA feeling of internal shifting, which may be caused by the movement of a fetus, muscular spasms associated with digestion (or indigestion) or other phenomena, including idiosyncratic perceptions.

      She felt the first flutters of the plane's descent.

      5 more examples

      Was that a flutter from my soon-to-be baby or a flutter of indigestion? I couldn't tell!

      So you've been feeling flutters in your belly for three days? Any other symptoms?

      A roiling flutter within had me harden my gaze at the man I swore to seek revenge on.

      The vanilla latte he is now drinking is giving him disturbing flutters of a major conga line in his stomach

      2020, Patty Fischer, The Wind Whistles Wicked, Page Publishing Incorporated

      her flutter purred rhythmically with her breathing.

      2026, Johnny Gnall, The Far End, FriesenPress, page 145

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor

   3. countablefigurativelyuncountableA flash of emotion that accompanies an internal sensation, such as a rapid pulsation of the heart or a quiver of nervous disquiet; a small burst of emotion that may be felt or expressed; a fleeting feeling or idea experienced as a feeling.

      flutter of pain, agony, etc.; flutter of interest, learning, knowledge

      5 more examples

      He was mostly over his phobia of dogs, but sometimes the sight of a dog still gave him a flutter of terror.

      Some of her father's ways still triggered flutters of that old burning resentment in her. She spoke of him with a flutter of her bitterness that others could sense.

      When he saw that smiling photo of her, he got a flutter of hope that she would come back one day.

      Not that she cared twopence for the enormous sum, really, now that concord was established! No, her little flutters of honest remorse were constantly disappearing in the immense exultant joy of being alive and of contemplating her idol.

      1914, Arnold Bennett, The Price of Love, Harper & Brothers, page 418

      Elise nodded, fighting the traitorous flutters of excitement in her stomach.

      2013, Linda Skye, A Dance with Indecency

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor, twinge, frisson, flicker

   4. countableuncountablemedicineThe rapid horizontal movement (saccades) of the eyes without pausing between them; ocular flutter.

      That flutter in the patient's eyes means there's a neurological problem.

      3 more examples

      We will first comment on the atypical flutter of our patient and then on the concept of opsoclonus/flutter of our patient and then on the concept of flutter upon convergence.

      2019, Aasef G. Shaikh, Stefano Ramat, editor, Mathematical Modelling in Motor Neuroscience: State of the Art and Translation to the Clinic, Gaze Orienting Mechanisms and Disease, volume 249, page 68

      Postsaccadic bursts of double saccadic pulses are called flutter dysmetria and multivectorial flutter is opsoclonus

      2014, Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences, volume 1, Elsevier Science, page 619

      Flutter is seen as the result of fixation and refixation efforts and consists of a short burst of horizontal oscillations.

      1974, Andrew J. Gay, Eye Movement Disorders, page 142

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor

   5. countableuncountablemedicineAn abnormal rapid pulsation of the heart, caused by the too-rapid beating of the upper chambers; the condition of experiencing such a flutter.

      You need a cardiologist to treat this flutter in your heart. Your cardiologist will have ways of getting you out of flutter.

      3 more examples

      The recording speed is also of importance in detecting flutters of high frequency.

      1985, Robert Kraus, The Practice of Echocardiography, page 143

      Flutter is defined by a rapid and regular atrial rhythm originating from reentrant circuit within the atria.

      (Can we date this quote?), Spineanu Eugenia, Harmony in Flutter: A Comprehensive Exploration of Atrial Flutter - From Molecular Insights to Holistic Health

      flutters that arise in the left atrium

      2020, David Callans, Josephson's Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Wolters Kluwer Health

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor, atrial flutter, auricular flutter

   6. countableuncountablemedicineThe vibration of a heart valve; the condition of experiencing such vibrations.

      I see a distinct flutter in your echocardiogram.

      3 more examples

      In addition to investigating the phenomena responsible for initiating flutter, expanded studies of heart valve leaflet flutter could explore other relevant system parameters, such as flow speed and valve size, that may induce or reduce flutter.

      2023, Tayfun E. Tezduyar, editor, Frontiers in Computational Fluid-Structure Interaction and Flow Simulation, Springer International Publishing, page 177

      the flutter of the anterior mitral leaflet is best delineated

      1985, Hugo Spindola-Franco, Robert Eisenberg, Bernard G. Fish, Charles B. Higgins, Richard M. Steingart, John P. Wexler, Radiology of the Heart, Springer

      In this review, we summarize and analyze the existing literature; discuss the detection methods of frequency and amplitude of heart valve flutter, and its potential effects on valve function, such as thrombosis and valve degeneration; and discuss some possible ways to avoid flutter.

      2024 October 29, Chen, L.; Zhang, Z.; Li, T.; Chen, Y, “A Review of Biomechanical Studies of Heart Valve Flutter”, in Fluids

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor

   7. countableuncountablemedicineA contraction of the diaphragm caused by synchronous diaphragmatic flutter.

      The flutter has been treated, and symptoms of synchronous diaphragmatic flutter are no longer present.

      3 more examples

      the flutter stopped temporarily

      1963, Modern Veterinary Practice, American Veterinary Publications, page 234

      A 35-year-old woman’s flutter was triggered by increasing the depth of breathing and by (electrical) stimulation of the diaphragm.

      2017, Michael Chiou, BA; María Victoria Herrero; John R. Bach, MD; Jeffrey L. Cole, MD; and Enrique Luis Gonzales, AAS, CRT, RRT, “Treatment of Idiopathic Diaphragm Flutter”, in CHEST^(https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(17)30175-7/pdf)

      It looks like a mild contraction or "flutter" of the diaphragm (almost like a mild hiccup), but it is not associated with breathing

      1989, Michael A. Ball, Understanding Equine First Aid: Your Guide to Horse Health Care and Management, Blood-Horse, Incorporated, page 75

      Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor, hiccups, singultus

4. countableuncountableA physical oscillation in a mechanical device; a state of oscillation; the action of oscillation.

   The flutter of the drill makes me tired just from holding it.

   5 more examples

   I felt each flutter of the lawnmower as it struggled to start.

   The needle on this gauge was in a flutter, which makes it hard to read the result.

   The "flutter" of the saw between the guides is caused by lower guides clamping saw, and is a prolific cause of bullheads and cracks, the former because it holds the saw as the shock of contact occurs, and increases the overthrow of the top wheel.

   1916, The Wood-Worker, volume 35, number May 1916, page 36

   In this installation consideration had to be given to the elastic behavior of the control pipes in relation to flutter of the valve leaf.

   1955, Harold Leigh Beaney, Gavin R. Battye, Report on the Design and Construction of Dams in the United States of America, page 32

   Figure 7.13 shows stability diagrams that illustrate the effect of the magnitude of the damping coefficient of the damper on the flutter of the pipe.

   2019, Yoshihiko Sugiyama, Mikael A. Langthjem, Kazuo Katayama, Dynamic Stability of Columns Under Nonconservative Forces, page 97

   1. uncountableaerodynamicsAn extremely dangerous divergent oscillation caused by a positive feedback loop between the elastic deformation of an object and the aerodynamic forces acting on it, potentially resulting in rapid structural failure.

      The flutter characteristics of the new design suggest that it will hold up well in real-world conditions.

      4 more examples

      wind turbine flutter, propellor flutter, blade flutter, fan flutter, fin flutter, whirl flutter, wing flutter

      The possibility was studied that there might be some unknown phenomenon at work that could cause a reduction in structural stiffness with age. Such a reduction in stiffness could result in a reduced flutter speed and lead to flutter. In 2004, Airbus conducted GVT in support of its MRTT program. The testing was conducted on an aged A310 aircraft (MSN 523) that had accumulated over 28 000 flight hours. This test aircraft had the same design of VTP and rudder as the occurrence aircraft. GVT results found that fin bending and rudder rotation frequencies of the MRTT test aircraft were consistent with those obtained during the original A310-300 certification. No indication was found to suggest that stiffness had reduced with age.

      2007, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, “1.12.12 Age-Related Structures and Materials Degradation”, in Aviation Investigation Report A05F0047, Loss of Rudder in Flight, Air Transat Airbus A310-308 C-GPAT, Miami, Florida, 90 nm S, 06 March 2005, archived from the original on 23 Jul 2021, page 40

      In this work, we introduce a comprehensive evaluation of flutter behavior including classical flutter, edgewise vibration, and flutter mode characteristics for two-bladed, downwind rotors.

      2022, Mayank Chetan, Shulong Yao, and D. Todd Griffith, “Flutter behavior of highly flexible blades for two- and three-bladed wind turbines”, in Wind Energy Science

      The investigation reveals that flutter onset is consistently governed by the coupling of the first two structural modes, establishing the primary instability boundary, while a secondary instability pathway involving the third and fourth modes uniquely emerges for the fully extended wing.

      2026, Tianxing Chen, Kun Guo, Huichao Deng, Yuchen Xia, Hao Luo, Yunlong Li and Xiuwei Tian, “Flutter Analysis of a Morphing Wing Considering Fluid–Thermal–Structure Coupling”, in AIAA Journal

   2. countableuncountableThe sound created when the throttle body in an engine is closed, forcing air through the turbocharger in the wrong direction, which makes the air bounce against the compressor blades, stalling them; the condition of having this occur in an engine.

      You have a compressor surge, I could hear the flutter in your engine. I can show you how to fix the flutter.

      1 more example

      If you hear flutter on acceleration, it is dangerous surge.

      2026, Mohammed Hamed Ahmed Soliman, Turbocharger Diagnostics & Performance Optimization: Boost Control, Failure Analysis, and Tuning for Modern Forced Induction Systems, Personal Lean Publictations, page 82

      Synonyms: chatter, compressor surge, dose, stutututu, turbo flutter

   3. countableuncountableThe shaking of a vehicle or part of a vehicle, especially when caused by the engine surging, stalling or fluctuating in RPM.

      The flutters are a sign that something is seriously wrong with your car.

      1 more example

      A flutter of the engine, and then it stopped.

      2013, Ian Cormack, The Great Ruhawa

      Synonyms: judder, rattle, shake, shudder, vibration, wobble

5. countableuncountableA fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.

   The bird's song was full of trills and flutters.

   1 more example

   I can hear a flutter in this movie's soundtrack.

   Synonyms: flicker

   1. countableuncountableA wavering quality in a voice, usually suggesting a specified feeling.

      I heard a flutter when she spoke.

      5 more examples

      He said he could do it, but the flutter in his voice told me he lacked confidence.

      "Wellllll..." he said, and I could tell from the flutter that he was not going to commit to buy today.

      Turiel said, the merest flutter of effort in her tone.

      2022, Joseph R. Lallo, The Book of Deacon

      "I shouldn't have cared for Newport, or the Springs, father, truly," said Leslie, with a little hopeful flutter of eagerness in her voice, "but the real mountains, - O father!"

      1866, Adeline Dutton Train Whitney, A Summer in Leslie Goldthwaite's Life, page 16

      "I want to release you from your oath," he said, a slight flutter in his voice.

      2002, David B. Coe, Rules of Ascension, Tom Doherty Associates, page 127

      Synonyms: flicker

   2. countableuncountableThe sound of a camera shutter opening to let in light when taking a picture, or the sound of a camera app that simulates the same thing.

      The explosion of flutters behind me let me know the paparazzi were here.

      1 more example

      I heard the flutter of a camera, saw a man a few yards behind me taking photos with a long-range lens.

      2024, Megan Miranda, Daughter of Mine, Scribner, page 95

      Synonyms: flicker

   3. countableuncountableA sound distortion in film, as in an old movie, caused by variable film speed across the sound head.

      A lot of people find the flutter of film to be an annoying distraction.

      3 more examples

      On the exhibition end, most of the sound heads in use at present slide the film past a stationary sound gate with the result that irregularities in the friction of the film against the gate produce a flutter. As a result of film shrinkage, only one pair of teeth in the pulling sprocket made contact with the film at one time. At the moment the pulling pair of teeth are disengaged from the film a slight slippage of the film is required to bring the next pair of teeth in contact with it. This results in a speed variation known as sprocket-hole modulation. Where a hold-back sprocket is not provided, variations in the tension of the takeup mechanism are transmitted directly to the pulling sprocket with resulting variations in speed.

      1916, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Journal of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, page 188

      Take-ups Cause Flutter

      1930, “Instructions in Sound”, in Moving Picture Review & Theatre Management, volume 25, Exhibitors Trade Review Publishing, page 40

      Fortunately, the ear is quite tolerant of variations in pitch (flutter) caused by variation in film speed of speech recordings

      1942, “Circular of the National Bureau of Standards”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), number 439, U.S. Government Printing Office, page 18

      Synonyms: flicker

   4. countableuncountableaudioThe distortion in a cassette recording, especially the distortion caused by variations in the speed of the magnetic tape due to sticking and slipping during playback or recording.

      The flutter is part of the appeal for cassette enthusiasts.

      1 more example

      To specify the effect of flutter with one figure can be extremely misleading, for it says nothing about the distribution of flutter in the spectrum of interest.

      1979, J. Strackee, Robert S. Reneman, editor, Data in Medicine: Collection, Processing and Presentation: A Physical-Technical Introduction for Physicians and Biologists, Springer Netherlands, page 200

      Synonyms: flicker

   5. countableuncountableaudioThe rapid variation of signal parameters, such as amplitude, phase, and frequency, caused by variations in the speed of the playback from a record player; the condition of having such variation.

      He diagnosed my system's flutter.

      2 more examples

      I maintain all of the equipment in tiptop condition, so there's no wow or flutter.

      Difference between flutter and wow

      1930, F.H. Richardson, “F.H. Richardson's Comments”, in Motion Picture Herald, volume 120, page 22

      Synonyms: flicker

   6. countableuncountableThe sound created by a flutter echo.

      The flutter in this room is from the hard, parallel walls.

      1 more example

      To hear a flutter echo, all one needs is a pair of parallel surfaces (and they need not be very large), stand between them, and clap hands. Nowhere else in the vast garden were there any flutters.

      2008, Floyd E. Toole, Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms, Elsevier

      Synonyms: flicker

   7. countableuncountableThe pulsating sound created by the phase distortion caused by the simultaneous playback of two frequencies.

      The two recordings aren't synced up well enough to get rid of that flutter.

      Synonyms: flicker

   8. countableuncountableThe sound distortion created by a turntable picking up subsonic interference.

      Synonyms: flicker, cone flutter, woofer flutter, woofer pumping

   9. countableuncountableThe sound distortion created by vibrations in a speaker; speaker flutter.

      I finally solved the flutter from that speaker.

      Synonyms: flicker

6. countableuncountableA flicker or fluctuation in light; a type of visual distortion.

   The flutter effect strains my eyes.

   4 more examples

   The flutter of the lamplight cast a romantic glow on the room.

   If the two pictures are colored or shaded differently, one eye will get tired before the other and the brain will momentarily give most of its attention to the second eye which is pointing in the right direction, while the first or fatigued eye will go more or less to sleep and will turn outward... The result is that the brain gets a fluttering sensation superimposed on the perception of form and color. This flutter comes from the direction muscles and not from the retina. If the two pictures are of somewhat different brightness, the attention will shift from one to the other and the iris muscles will also flutter; the difference must not be too great or the brighter image will hold the attention all the time, so that there will be a more nearly steady state with less flutter. If the two pictures are of different colors there will be a flutter of color sensation through the optic nerve in addition to the flutter of the focusing muscles.

   1919, Journal of Physical Chemistry, volume 23, page 343

   I perceive no flutter or bending of the lines

   1909, Psychological Monographs, American Psychological Association, page 78

   Flutter in the picture due to passing aeroplanes and other fading effects are reduced.

   2002, R.R. Gulati, Modern Television Practice Principles,Technology and Servicing, New Delhi: New Age International, page 215

   Synonyms: flicker

   1. countableuncountableA malfunction in the image on a television, monitor or screen, which may be fluctuations in brightness, bands of distortion or a flickering or blurry quality; the condition of displaying such a malfunction.

      I hate watching that TV, because of its flutter.

      Synonyms: flicker

   2. countableuncountableA jumping or flickering effect in a film or a video, which may come from damage to the film or to defects in the recording, such as a shaky camera, or which may be a digital effect that simulates such conditions.

      The flutter on those old movies makes it hard to see the details.

      1 more example

      Anything that causes the film to pass the light beam jerkily produces flutter.

      1929, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Fundamentals of Sound Recording, page 192

      Synonyms: flicker

7. countableuncountableA speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of taking a flutter (To support a risky option.).

   "Not that I am averse to having a business flutter, mind you." "This will be more than a flutter, I assure you."

   2011, Iris Gower, The Wild Seed, Transworld

   1 more example

   Maybe they thought I was one of those golden boys or hot shots that blew everything on a risky flutter on the stock exchange

   2015, Alain Robert, With Bare Hands, Maverick Publishing Limited

   1. countabledateduncountableusuallyAn attempt or try.

      We had a flutter on the project, but we didn't get very far on it.

      3 more examples

      You had a flutter? Yes. And yet you suggest that the Government did not take things seriously enough whilst you were conducting this flutter?

      1913, Parliamentary Papers, H.M. Stationery Office, page 348

      Paignton had had a flutter at including an adjoining area

      1923, Chartered Municipal Engineer, Institution of Municipal Engineers, page 973

      If you believe you have, send it along, and have a flutter for one of the big money prizes we offer.

      1928, The Homing Pigeon, and National Homing Union Members' Gazette, volume 25, page 1020

   2. UKcountableuncountableusually a flutter overAn act of foxhunting.

      We should have luck with a flutter over the north field.

      3 more examples

      A flutter over the well-known water ditch, a desultory charge of a hundred and fifty horsemen and women up the hill beyond

      1894, Baily's Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, volume 62, page 419

      In October, however, hounds may be allowed to have a flutter and to get away with their fox in the open, and then fields are bigger

      1920, A.S. Horwood, The Sphere: An Illustrated Newspaper for the Home, page 62

      Occasion what the D.T. gentleman calls "a flutter" and "brief scurries".

      1909, Punch, page 128

   3. UKcountableuncountableA small bet or risky investment, especially from a rookie gambler; an act of taking a flutter (To place a small bet.).

      I fancied a flutter, and I won eighty pounds on it.

      3 more examples

      "Oh, by the way, I heard of a rather good thing today, New Kleinfonteins; it's a gold mine in Rhodesia. If you'd like to have a flutter you might make a bit."

      1915, W. Somerset Maugham, chapter 93, in Of Human Bondage

      30 July, 2009, Eurosport, Gray Matter: How will Schu do? So with his victory odds currently at 14/1 or 3/1 for the podium, he's still most certainly well worth a flutter […]

      These regular and committed gamblers are not engaged in a flutter, or a romantic adventure.

      1976, William Robson, Welfare State and Welfare Society: Illusion and Reality, Taylor & Francis

   4. countableuncountableA hasty or casual game, e.g. of cards.

      We usually just have a flutter after dinner, but once the game is through, we all go to our rooms.

      1 more example

      "We have a loo in College every night-of course that is not every night, but most nights-not a big loo at all, you know, but just a small party of our own. I would almost rather we played whist myself, but the other fellows don't like whist, it's too awfully scientific; and at loo, you know, you can have a bit of a flutter. It helps to pass the time after Hall."

      1900, W.E.W. Collins, A Scholar of His College, volume 900, page 151

8. countableuncountableOne or more objects or phenomena that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something fluttery.

   The castle was adorned with ribbons, flags and other flutters that waved in the stiff wind.

   4 more examples

   Then he looked from her to some gayer figures moving along the road with flutters of bright streamers and flounces

   1900, Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman, The Love of Parson Lord: And Other Stories, page 25

   As the nudities and mythologies of the sixteenth century lost something of their vogue, the draperies acquired greater significance in the general effect; and the impression of agitation was accentuated by exaggerated flutters of wide-flung expanses of carved stuffs.

   1924, George Henry Chase, Chandler Rathfon Post, A History of Sculpture, page 372

   The flutters of drapery falling from the arms of the two angels in the upper compartment of the ivory, recall those falling from the right-hand arm of the elder to the left in Houvet's Plate 50.

   1923, Arthur Kingsley Porter, Romanesque Sculpture of the Pilgrimage Roads, volume 1, Marshall Jones Company, page 163

   You will see as vivacious and bright a flutter of femininity as ever at Maskey's, or at the Peacock or the Golden Pheasant in the old days

   1906, Sunset, volume 17, page 328

   1. countableuncountableA state of being amid or decorated in items that flutter.

      In a flutter of cloth and feathers, Trini quickly changes into her bird and takes to the sky disappearing into the forest.

      2025, Barbara Baumhoer, Andrew Baumhoer, Magic and Moonlight, Gatekeeper Press

      2 more examples

      In such an atmosphere the harbor was flecked with brilliantly decked craft of every description, all in a flutter of flags and carrying a host of passengers in gala dress.

      1918, The United States in a Chaotic World, volume 30, page 23

      Sally at last appeared, all in a flutter of ribbons and scarfs, whose bright, high colors assorted well with the ultramarine blue of her dress, and the vivid pomegranate hue of her cheeks.

      1861, Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Pearl of Orr's Island

   2. countableuncountableA flurry of snow, smoke, dust, etc., or a light rain shower, or another phenomenon experientially similar to a light burst of rain or snow.

      A flutter of snow covered the landscape in a thin layer of white.

      2 more examples

      A light flutter of snow fell , and I glanced into the silvery sky, letting the flakes fall on my face.

      2024, Yasmine Galenorn, A Dream of Snow

      Those who were nearest saw her head drop suddenly, as she choked upon her bosom; and then the cords burning through and through, the whole lifeless body tumbled forward into the embers, causing a considerable flutter of dust and smoke; and when it cleared away, there was nothing to be seen but a confused heap of ashes and dying embers.

      1827, Thomas Hood, The exile. The owl. The German knight. The Florentine kinsmen. The carrier's wife. The two faithful lovers of Sicily. The Venetan countess. A tale of the harem. The chestnut tree. The fair maid of Ludgate. The three brothers, page 123

   3. countableuncountableA breeze or wind that might cause an item to flutter.

      The flag was hanging limp all day, until a flutter made it stand up and ripple for a few seconds.

      3 more examples

      little flutters of breeze shook the white hats of the daisies

      1878, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Poganuc People: Their Loves and Lives, page 199

      A flutter of air teased the back of Dakota's neck

      2025, Joslyn Chase, A Band of Scheming Women

      The air breaks into flutters low and sweet,/Smooth as the liquid passage of the bird;/And as the ocean-murmur

      1892, “Music”, in Yale Literary Magazine, number 508, page 296

   4. countableuncountablebusinessThe flow and feel of a garment or outfit, particularly a woman's dress or gown, which moves or appears likely to move in a graceful and airy manner when worn, especially in a light breeze.

      The flutter of that gown is characteristic of the designer's style. Its flutter means it looks best in a light breeze.

   5. countabledateduncountableA feature of clothing (often lace) intended to flutter, such as flaps, straps, trim, etc.

      On this gown, flutters of red on the shoulders and arms provide visual interest.

      3 more examples

      A Worth taffeta model in the approved bunched, draped, and long-in-places style has flutters of lace set in the skirt.

      1928, Parinite, edited by David Remnick, Harold Wallace Ross, Katharine Sergeant Angell White, Rea Irvin, Roger Angell, Tina Brown, William Shawn, The New Yorker, volume 4, number 15, page 66

      Her flutter--pale disconcerted ghost as she actually was, a broken white flower tied round, almost grotesquely for his present sense, with a huge satin "bow" of the Boulevard--her flutter had been mainly that of ribbons, frills and fine fabrics; all funny, pathetic evidence, for memory, of the bewilderments overtaking them as a bridal pair confronted with opportunity.

      1904, Henry James, The Golden Bowl, page 99

      he found himself enveloped in a frothy abundance of frills and fal-lals, lace at the wrists, lace round the neck, with flutters of ribbon here and there.

      1914, Ernest Scott, The Life of Captain Matthew

   6. collectivecountableuncountableA group of butterflies or moths.

      The flutter that passed us by was made up of monarch butterflies.

      3 more examples

      Instantly a great flutter of butterflies of all sizes and colors lifted in spangled clouds about them.

      1918, Patrick Casey, Terence Casey, The Wolf-cub: A Novel of Spain, page 91

      Gay as a flutter of butterflies and light as a zephyr, these dainty fabrics instantly suggest a wardrobe of sheer delight.

      1901, Country Life, volume 40, number July, page 2

      Since this cowl released a flutter of moths and parted at the shoulder as he was getting into it, he decided that it must be his own.

      1954, Hubert Van Zeller, Downside By and Large, page 277

      Synonyms: swarm

   7. countablehistoricaluncountableengineeringA combination of steam and water visible at the top gauge cock of a steam-boiler.

      The flutter in that gauge-cock makes it hard to see what the correct water level is.

      3 more examples

      If such was the case and a hole drilled through the brace in the boiler, it might become stopped up opposite the gauge cock and the steam would leak down between the boiler head and the brace on the inside, which would perhaps cause a flutter of steam and water to show at the gauge cock when open.

      1907, W. G. Wallace, Locomotive Breakdown Questions, F.J. Drake & Company, page 87

      Priming may easily be detected by the motion of the water in the glass water gauge, or by the "flutter" of the gauge cocks when opened.

      1880, William Miller Barr, Handbook for Steam Engineers and Owners: Being a Practical Guide to the Selection and Care of Steam Machinery, J.H. Kerrick & Company, page 119

      To use a phrase employed by practical men, the priming or foaming of the boiler may be known by the "flutter" of the gauge cocks.

      1874, Railroad Gazette, volume 6, page 352

9. countableuncountableA small amount or a small sign of something.

   The nuns prayed on the matter daily, sending flutters of devotion to the heavens.

   5 more examples

   Everywhere he saw flutters of war and knew the rumors of peace were mere idle talk.

   Little paper birds are flying out of Neil A. Armstrong Middle School in Bristol Township, and each one brings another small flutter of help for the devastated people of Japan.

   2011, Chris English, PhillyBurbs.com

   As he walked toward the mall he saw flutters of spring everywhere.

   2013, Charles Finch, An Old Betrayal, St. Martin's Publishing Group, page 57

   without the slightest flutter of malice in her round face.

   2015, Catherynne M. Valente, The Boy Who Lost Fairyland, Feiwel & Friends, page 215

   After she told her parents about her grandfather's actions, their small flutter of support was followed by her mother's claim that she had made it all up.

   2000, Norma Jean Profitt, Women Survivors, Psychological Trauma, and the Politics of Resistance, Taylor & Francis, page 99

   1. countableuncountableA fragment or flash of a color or of light or sound.

      Aside from a few stray flutters of laughter, the audience was silent.

      5 more examples

      Amid the flutters of sunshine drifting through the dense canopy, I spotted my target.

      Here on the painting we see flutters of blue, suggesting the sky beyond.

      With flutters of white showing in his big blue-gray wings, he dropped from twig to twig

      1840, Patten Beard, “Peter of the Wild Rose-Tree”, in St. nicholas: A Monthly Magazine for Boys and Girls, volume 41, part 2

      High up hover a few flutters of rosy creamy cloud.

      1914, John Graver Johnson, Bernard Berenson, Wilhelm Reinhold Valentiner, Catalogue of a Collection of Paintings and Some Art Objects, volume 3

      His eye was alerted by a flutter of white seen through the snarl of branches between his stump and the Mere, and on looking more closely was surprised to see Mary sitting about a hundred yards below him on a mossy log, opposite the islet.

      1966, R. F. Delderfield, A Horseman Riding By, Open Road Media

   2. countablefigurativelyuncountableA scrap or fragment of, e.g., rumors, history, sentiment, etc.

      I asked around and heard nothing concrete, just flutters of accusations of bad behavior.

      5 more examples

      Despite the lack of written records, we have dredged up a few flutters of information about that era of history.

      Polls are scarce on this subject, so this one flutter of data may be all we have to make our decision.

      she had heard stories about him, flutters of talk through open doors.

      2025, Megan Hunter, Days of Light, Grove Atlantic

      flutters of information on the subject.

      1910, New Zealand House of Representatives, Appendix to the Journal of the House of the Representatives, New Zealand, page 5

      Yet in that February there were still some flutters of song, one of which was, Hey for the Lass wi' a Tocher, written in answer to Thomson's beseeching inquiry if he was never to hear from him again.

      1901, John Morley, editor, English Men of Letters, volume 30