# flue

/ˈfɫu/ (US) · /flˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flue
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. organ pipe part

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the opening in an organ pipe that lets air through to make a sound.

For teachers: the narrow opening in an organ pipe between the lower lip and the languet through which air is directed.

- The organ builder carefully adjusted the flue to improve the pipe's tone.
- The characteristic timbre of the rank was achieved by precisely tapering the flue of each individual pipe to control the air pressure.

### 3. fluff or dust

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Dialect

soft, light pieces of wool or dust.

For teachers: a woolly or downy substance; fine, soft fibers or nap.

- She brushed the bits of flue off her dark wool coat.
- The old weaver complained about the constant presence of flue in the air, which settled like snow upon every surface of the mill.

## Examples

- The smoke rose up the flue and out of the roof.
- Before lighting the fireplace, the homeowner checked the flue to ensure it was clear of leaves and debris.
- The architect designed a double-walled flue to improve the efficiency of the heating system while minimizing the risk of heat loss through the chimney structure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.