Meaning & Definition of word "Flue"

Flue

/fluː/

1. A duct, pipe, or channel for conveying exhaust gases from an appliance to the outside atmosphere.
- Example: The chimney's flue was blocked, causing smoke to fill the living room.
2. A tube or passage in a chimney, furnace, or other structure that directs smoke or gases.
- Example: The flue must be cleaned regularly to ensure proper ventilation.
3. A pipe for conveying hot air or smoke to a chimney.
- Example: To maintain efficiency, the flue needs to be inspected annually.

●Middle English 'flue', from Old French 'flue', a variant of 'flus', meaning 'to flow'.

clean the flue:

To remove blockages or soot from a flue.

flue gas:

The gas produced from combustion that exits through the flue.

flue liner:

A lining that protects the walls of a flue.

chimney:

A vertical structure that provides a passage for smoke and gases to escape.

ventilator:

A device or opening that allows air to circulate.

exhaust:

Gases expelled from an engine or other machine.

Meaning: In slang, 'flue' can refer to a situation that's going awry.

● Example Sentence: If things keep going like this, we're in a complete flue.