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.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

"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."

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

Related Words

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