flaps

[flaps]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. swelling of the lips of a horse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flaps¹

flap (noun) + -s ³

Example Sentences

Parts of the engine appeared to explode at one stage, and flaps on the side of the rocket caught fire and swung from side-to-side.

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They drove the truck, which had “Got Milk” signs displayed on the mud flaps, along the 5 Freeway and 101 Freeway through Studio City, Hollywood and downtown and at times went onto surface streets.

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"Or the Butterfly Effect. The analogy is that if a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, it could have an impact on the atmosphere across northern Europe, six days later."

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Were the flaps improperly extended, reducing lift on a heavily loaded jet in extreme heat?

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Three experts who spoke to BBC Verify suggested that the disaster may have occurred as the aircraft's flaps were not extended during take-off - though other pilots and analysts have challenged this.

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Related Words

• dangle 
• flail 
• flop 
• hang 
• thrash 
• vibrate