Definition of flute

The word "flute" has its origins in the Old French word "flete," which means a wind instrument consisting of several feet of straight or curved tube. The instrument's name is believed to have been derived from the Old French "fluter," meaning "to blow softly." The origin of the Old French word "flete" is uncertain, but some believe it may have come from the Latin "tibia," which refers to a wind instrument. It is possible that the word "flete" evolved from the sounds made by players of wind instruments, which resemble soft, fluting tones. The word "flute" entered the English language in the early 14th century, and it initially referred specifically to a type of pipe with six finger holes for fingerings. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include other types of wind instruments with similar fluting sounds, such as bamboo flutes, wooden flutes, and metal flutes. Today, the word "flute" is commonly used to refer to a variety of musical instruments, including the Western concert flute, which can be made from materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. The sound of a flute is characterized by its soft, distinctive tone, and flute music can be found in a wide range of musical genres, from classical to folk to contemporary.