flipper

Meanings

1. In marine mammals such as whales (or other aquatic animals such as sea turtles), a wide, flat limb adapted for swimming.
2. A wide, flat, paddle-like rubber covering for the foot, used in swimming.
3. A flat lever in a pinball machine, triggered by the player to strike the ball and keep it in play.
4. A small flat used to support a larger one.
5. A type of ball bowled by a leg spin bowler, which spins backwards and skids off the pitch with a low bounce.
6. Television remote control, clicker.
7. The hand.
8. A kind of false tooth, usually temporary.
9. A kitchen spatula.
10. Someone who flips, in the sense of buying a house or other asset and selling it quickly for profit.
11. Someone who flips in any other sense, for example throwing a coin.

1. To lift one or both flippers out of the water and slap the surface of the water.

1. A common name for aquatic animals which have flippers, such as dolphins and seals.

Etymology

From flip + -er. Compare Saterland Frisian Flappert (“flipper, wing”).