Pronunciation: [flˈaps] (IPA) 
The spelling of "flaps" consists of six letters: f-l-a-p-s. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be spelled as /flæps/. The "fl" sound is the same as the "fl" sound in "fly," the "a" sound is a short vowel sound, the "p" sound is a plosive, and the "s" sound is a voiceless alveolar fricative. "Flaps" can be used as a noun or verb and describes a movement or sound associated with wings, doors, or clothing.
Flaps, in its noun form, refers to the movable parts located on various objects or organisms, primarily designed for the purpose of generating motion or directing the flow of air, fluid, or energy. Flaps can exist in different forms and serve diverse functions depending on their specific context of usage.
In an aeronautical context, flaps pertain to the adjustable sections on the wings of an aircraft, which can be extended or retracted during flight to increase lift, modify drag, or improve maneuverability. These hinged flaps enable the aircraft to take off and land at lower speeds, as well as enhance control during different phases of flight.
Furthermore, flaps can also describe the flexible extensions of certain clothing items or accessories, such as the loose folds on the back of a coat or jacket, which can be opened or closed for added comfort and ventilation. Moreover, flaps can refer to the flat covers, often made of fabric or material, used to enclose openings or compartments in bags, purses, or envelopes.
When used as a verb, "flaps" refers to the action of moving or vibrating rapidly, often producing a series of slapping or fluttering sounds. This verb usage commonly describes the movement of wings, flags, or the like, as well as the sound produced by the flapping motion. Additionally, it can convey a sense of agitation or nervousness in human behaviors, such as when one flaps their hands or waves them about in an animated manner.
A disease of the horse marked by swelling of the lips.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "flaps" has multiple etymological origins, depending on its specific usage and context:
1. As a noun referring to the movable parts of an aircraft's wings that can be raised or lowered to control the lift and drag:
The term "flaps" is derived from the Middle English word "flap", which means "to strike" or "to beat". It ultimately traces back to the Old Norse word "flappa", meaning "to flap" or "to flutter". This sense of "flaps" emerged in the early 20th century when aircraft started incorporating adjustable surfaces on their wings.
2. As a noun representing loose pieces of fabric, often used in clothing or other objects:
In this sense, "flaps" likely originated from the Middle English word "flap", which means "fold" or "hanging piece".
