Word
flue
US/ˈfɫu/
UK/flˈuː/
Definitions
01chimney pipe
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a pipe or passage that lets smoke and hot air escape from a fireplace or heater.
n. a duct or passage for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, gas heater, or power station.
“The chimney sweep cleaned the flue to make sure the smoke could escape safely.”
“Before lighting the first fire of the season, you must ensure the flue is clear of any bird nests or soot buildup that could cause a blockage.”
Pitfall
I have a bad flue and need to stay in bed.
I have a bad flu and need to stay in bed.
Do not confuse 'flue' (a pipe) with 'flu' (the illness caused by a virus).
02organ pipe part
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Technical
n. the opening in an organ pipe where the air comes out to make sound.
n. the opening between the lower lip and the languet in an organ pipe.
“The organ builder adjusted the flue to change the tone of the pipe.”
“The characteristic sound of a flue pipe is produced by the vibration of an air column, unlike the vibrating brass tongue found in reed pipes.”
03soft fluff
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic · Dialect
n. very soft, light pieces of wool or dust.
n. a soft, downy, or woolly substance; fine fur or lint.
“The old coat was covered in bits of flue and dust from the attic.”
“The weaver spent the afternoon brushing the flue from the loom to prevent the fine woolly fibers from clogging the mechanism.”
Etymology
From Middle English flue, flewe (“mouthpiece of a hunting horn”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps a back-formation from Middle English *flews (mistaken as a plural), from Old English flēwsa (“a flow, flowing, flux”). Alternatively, perhaps an alteration of Middle English floute, fleute, flote (“a pipe”), see English flute. Compare also Middle Dutch vloegh (“groove, channel, flute of a fluted column”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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