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Flue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flue

[fluː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

An infectious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, often resulting in fever, cough, and sore throat.

Synonyms

influenza, viral respiratory infection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
influenza

Used in more formal or medical contexts to describe the same virus as the flu. It is typically used in scientific literature, medical reports, or formal discussions.

  • The doctor diagnosed him with influenza
  • During the influenza season, hospitals prepare for an increase in patients
viral respiratory infection

A broad medical term used to refer to illnesses caused by viruses that affect the respiratory system, including the flu but also other infections like the common cold. Suitable for medical contexts or when discussing various types of respiratory infections.

  • The patient is suffering from a viral respiratory infection
  • There are several types of viral respiratory infections besides the flu

Examples of usage

  • The flu vaccine can help prevent influenza.
  • She caught the flu and had to stay home from work.
  • Symptoms of the flu include body aches and fatigue.
Context #2 | Noun

household

A pipe or duct for conveying exhaust gases from a furnace, stove, or other heating unit to the outdoors.

Synonyms

chimney pipe, venting duct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flue

When referring to a pipe or channel that carries smoke, gas, or other exhaust from a fireplace, furnace, or boiler to the outside atmosphere.

  • The flue needs to be cleaned to prevent any fire hazards.
  • Check the flue to ensure there is no blockage.
chimney pipe

Typically used in domestic or smaller-scale scenarios to describe the pipe through which smoke or fumes exit within a chimney setup.

  • We had to replace the old chimney pipe because it was corroded.
  • The birds' nest in the chimney pipe caused the fireplace to smoke.
venting duct

Common in industrial or commercial settings to describe the system of ducts used for venting air, smoke, or gases.

  • The venting duct system in the factory needs to undergo regular maintenance.
  • Improper installation of the venting duct can lead to poor air quality.

Examples of usage

  • The flue of the fireplace was clogged with debris.
  • It's important to clean the flue regularly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Flues are critical in ensuring that smoke and gases from fireplaces and stoves are safely vented outdoors.
  • Modern buildings often use lined flues to improve efficiency and reduce risks of chimney fires.

Safety Regulations

  • Ventilation systems, including flues, are subject to local building codes and regulations to ensure safety.
  • Blocked flues can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, which is extremely dangerous.

Pop Culture

  • Flues have made appearances in various films where characters escape through chimneys, invoking a sense of adventure.
  • The famous fictional character Mary Poppins descends through a chimney flue, further ingraining it in popular imagination.

Environmental Impact

  • Proper design and maintenance of flues can help reduce pollution by ensuring complete combustion of fuels.
  • Older, less efficient flues can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Origin of 'flue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flue' comes from the Latin word 'fluere', which means 'to flow'.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a channel for smoke.

The word 'flue' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'flue' meaning 'flow, streaming'. It originally referred to a chimney or furnace pipe through which smoke and gases flow out. Over time, the term 'flue' also came to be associated with the viral respiratory infection known as influenza due to the concept of infectious agents 'flowing' from person to person.

See also: flu, fluent, fluid.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,031, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.