Flap

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /flæp/

Definitions

1. A hinged or loosely attached flat piece of material that moves back and forth or up and down
2. An attached or flexible section that can move to open, close, or cover something while also referring to a sudden movement or motion of a part of something
3. A movable or flexible part that can help cover an opening or serve a function while also describing a quick motion of that part in a certain direction

Etymology: The verb "flap" began as a sound. Middle English "flappen" meant to flap, clap, slap or strike, and it is probably imitative, shaped by the noise of something loose hitting something else. Its relatives across the Low Countries and Germany, such as Dutch "flappen" and "flabberen" (to flit or flap), carry the same flapping rhythm, which suggests the sound came first and the meaning followed. The noun developed from the same stock but moved toward objects. In Middle English, "flappe" could mean a slap or buffet, a fly-swatter, or anything flexible or loose. From these senses came the familiar idea of a hinged or hanging piece, like the flap of a pocket or an envelope. The word is also a close relative of "flab" and "flabby," which describe soft, loose flesh that wobbles, so the sense of something hanging limp runs through the family.

Synonyms: swing, wave, flutter, flail, move

Antonyms: still, settle, calm, stillness, rest