DictionaryfluteNarrow groove
noun / verb

flute

A long, narrow groove in a surface, or the act of making one.

The column has a narrow flute cut along its surface.

Etymology

The groove name borrows the instrument’s long, narrow shape. Repeated flutes create channels along a surface, and the verb names making those channels.

More examples

  • Several flutes ran the length of the shaft.
  • The craftsperson fluted the edge.
  • They are fluting the columns.

Forms

flute · flutes · fluted · fluting

Similar words

groove
The general term for a narrow recessed channel.
channel
Can be wider and serve practical flow rather than decoration.