2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a flunkey , you disapprove of the fact that they associate themselves with someone who is powerful and carry out small, unimportant jobs for them in the hope of being rewarded. [DISAPPROVAL ]
fluo|res|cent /flʊəre s ə nt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fluorescent surface, substance, or colour has a very bright appearance when light is directed onto it, as if it is actually shining itself. □ …a piece of fluorescent tape. ● fluo|res|cence N‑UNCOUNT □ …the green fluorescence it gives off under ultraviolet radiation.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fluorescent light shines with a very hard, bright light and is usually in the form of a long strip. □ …fluorescent light tubes.
fluori|da|tion /flʊə r I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluoridation is the action or process of adding fluoride to a water supply. □ …fluoridation of the water supply.
fluo|ride /flʊə ra I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluoride is a mixture of chemicals that is sometimes added to drinking water and toothpaste because it is considered to be good for people's teeth.
fluo|rine /flʊə riːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluorine is a pale yellow, poisonous gas. It is used in the production of uranium and other chemicals.
flur|ry /flʌ ri, [AM ] flɜː ri/ (flurries )
1 N‑COUNT A flurry of something such as activity or excitement is a short intense period of it. □ [+ of ] …a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at ending the war.
2 N‑COUNT A flurry of something such as snow is a small amount of it that suddenly appears for a short time and moves in a quick, swirling way.
flush /flʌ ʃ/ (flushes , flushing , flushed )
1 VERB If you flush , your face goes red because you are hot or ill, or because you are feeling a strong emotion such as embarrassment or anger. □ [V ] Do you sweat a lot or flush a lot? □ [V colour] He turned away embarrassed, his face flushing red. ● N‑COUNT Flush is also a noun. □ There was a slight flush on his cheeks. [Also + of ] ● flushed ADJ □ [+ with ] Her face was flushed with anger.
2 VERB When someone flushes a toilet after using it, they fill the toilet bowl with water in order to clean it, usually by pressing a handle or pulling a chain. You can also say that a toilet flushes . □ [V n] She flushed the toilet and went back in the bedroom. □ [V ] …the sound of the toilet flushing. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Flush is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He heard the flush of a toilet.
3 VERB If you flush something down the toilet, you get rid of it by putting it into the toilet bowl and flushing the toilet. □ [V n + down ] He was found trying to flush banknotes down the toilet.
4 VERB If you flush a part of your body, you clean it or make it healthier by using a large amount of liquid to get rid of dirt or harmful substances. □ [V n] Flush the eye with clean cold water for at least 15 minutes. ● PHRASAL VERB Flush out means the same as flush . □ [V P n] …an 'alternative' therapy that gently flushes out the colon to remove toxins. [Also V n P ]
5 VERB If you flush dirt or a harmful substance out of a place, you get rid of it by using a large amount of liquid. □ [V n with out ] That won't flush all the sewage out, but it should unclog some stinking drains.
6 VERB If you flush people or animals out of a place where they are hiding, you find or capture them by forcing them to come out of that place. □ [V n + out of ] They flushed them out of their hiding places. □ [V n with out ] The Guyana Defence Force is engaged in flushing out illegal Brazilian miners operating in the country.
7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one object or surface is flush with another, they are at the same height or distance from something else, so that they form a single smooth surface. □ [+ with ] Make sure the tile is flush with the surrounding tiles.
8 N‑SING The flush of something is an intense feeling of excitement or pleasure that you have when you are experiencing it and for a short time afterwards. □ [+ of ] …the first flush of young love. □ [+ of ] …in the flush of victory.
▸ flush out → see flush 4
flushed /flʌ ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you say that someone is flushed with success or pride you mean that they are very excited by their success or pride. □ Grace was flushed with the success of the venture.
flus|ter /flʌ stə r / (flusters , flustering , flustered ) VERB If you fluster someone, you make them feel nervous and confused by rushing them and preventing them from concentrating on what they are doing. □ [be V -ed] The General refused to be flustered. □ [V n] She was a very calm person. Nothing could fluster her. ● flus|tered ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ She was so flustered that she forgot her reply.
flute /fluː t/ (flutes ) N‑VAR A flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. You play it by blowing over a hole near one end while holding it sideways to your mouth.
flut|ed /fluː t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is fluted has shallow curves cut into it. □ …the fluted wooden post of the porch.
flut|ing /fluː t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's voice as fluting , you mean that it goes up and down a lot, and usually that it is high pitched. □ Her voice, small and fluting, stopped abruptly. □ …a fluting and melodic Scottish accent.
flut|ist /fluː t I st/ (flutists ) N‑COUNT A flutist is someone who plays the flute. [AM ] in BRIT, use flautist