fluttering

plural flutterings

1. Rapid back-and-forth or up-and-down waving or oscillation of, e.g. wings or a vibrating engine; the condition of engaging in such an action.

   I was entranced by the colorful fluttering of the butterfly's wings.

   3 more examples

   The valve's fluttering is a problem, you have to find where it comes from.

   It is indubitably certain, therefore, that he is able to attend, and actually attends, to all things at the same moment; to the motions of a seed, or a leaf, or an atom; to the creepings of a worm, the flutterings of an insect, and the journeys of a mite […]

   1824, Timothy Dwight, Theology, Explained and Defended in a Series of Sermons

   Miss Greta closed her eyes. Quickly, however, did she open them again; for a dull noise, with certain whiskings-about and flutterings, together with low clatterings, approached her ear.

   1844, Fredrika Bremer, The Neighbours: A Story of Every-day Life, page 59

2. medicineThe action of atrial flutter, in which the upper chambers of the heart beat too rapidly.

   Treatment will reduce the fluttering in your heart.

3. A feeling of internal shifting, as with indigestion, nervous flutters, etc.

   He felt a fluttering of discontent, but he said nothing.

   1 more example

   The fluttering in her belly reminded her that her child was coming one day soon.

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of flutter