From: Yontef, David
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`
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`Sent: 10/12/2016 11:52:21 AM
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`
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`To: TTAB EFiling
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`CC:
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`Subject: U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 86499954 - FLIGHTLINK - 004T - EXAMINER BRIEF
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`*************************************************
`
`Attachment Information:
`
`Count: 11
`
`Files: Exhibit A-1.jpg, Exhibit A-2.jpg, Exhibit A-3.jpg, Exhibit A-4.jpg, Exhibit B-1.jpg, Exhibit B-2.jpg,
`Exhibit B-3.jpg, Exhibit C-1.jpg, Exhibit C-2.jpg, Exhibit C-3.jpg, 86499954.doc
`
`
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`
`
`

`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
`
`
`U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 86499954
`
`
`
`MARK: FLIGHTLINK
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`*86499954*
`
`CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
` BRIAN FURRER
`
`
`
`
`GENERAL TRADEMARK INFORMATION:
`
` PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION
`
`
`
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/index.jsp
`
` 26200 ENTERPRISE WAY
`
`
`
` LAKE FOREST, CA 92630-8400
`
`
`
`TTAB INFORMATION:
`
`
`
`
`
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/appeal/index.js
`p
`
`APPLICANT: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
`
`
`
`
`
`CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO:
`
` 004T
`
`CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS:
`
` brian.furrer@panasonic.aero
`
`EXAMINING ATTORNEY’S APPEAL BRIEF
`
`Index of Cited Cases
`
`
`
`
`
`In re Gyulay,
`
`820 F.2d 1216, 3 USPQ2d 1009 (Fed. Cir. 1987)
`
`
`
`Univ. of Notre Dame du Lac v. J. C. Gourmet Food Imps. Co., Inc.,
`
`213 UQPQ 594 (TTAB 1982), aff’d, 703 F.2d 1372, 217 USPQ 505 (Fed. Cir. 1983)
`
`

`
`
`
`In re Leonhardt,
`
`109 USPQ2d 2091, 2098 (TTAB 2008)
`
`
`
`DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd.,
`
`695 F.3d 1247, 1254, 103 USPQ2d 1753, 1757 (Fed. Cir. 2012)(quoting In re Tower Tech, Inc., 64 USPQ2d
`1314, 1316-17 (TTAB 2002))
`
`
`
`In re Am. Greetings Corp.,
`
`226 USPQ 365, 366 (TTAB 1985)
`
`
`
`In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP,
`
`373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (citing In re Dial-A-Mattress Operating
`Corp., 240 F.3d 1341, 1346, 57 USPQ2d 1807, 1812 (Fed. Cir. 2001))
`
`
`
`In re The Chamber of Commerce of the U.S.,
`
`675 F.3d 1297, 1300, 102 USPQ2d 1217, 1219 (Fed. Cir. 2012)
`
`
`
`In re N.V. Organon,
`
`79 USPQ2d 1639, 1642-43 (TTAB 2006)
`
`
`
`In re Phoseon Tech., Inc.,
`
`103 USPQ2d 1822, 1826 (TTAB 2012)
`
`In re Driven Innovations, Inc.,
`
`

`
`115 USPQ2d 1261, 1262, 1267-68 (TTAB 2015)
`
`
`
`In re Scholastic Testing Serv., Inc.,
`
`196 USPQ 517, 519 (TTAB 1977)
`
`
`
`In re Nett Designs, Inc.,
`
`236 F. 3d 1339, 1342, 57 USPQ2d 1564, 1566 (Fed. Cir. 2001)
`
`
`
`In re theDot Commc’ns Network LLC,
`
`101 USPQ2d 1062, 1064 (TTAB 2011)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
`
`
`
` BEFORE THE
`
`
`
`
`
`Service Mark: FLIGHTLINK
`
`
`
`
`
`Serial No.: 86499954
`
`
`
`
`
`Attorney: Brian Furrer, Esq.
`
`
`
`
`
` TRADEMARK TRIAL
`
`
`
`
`
` AND
`
`
`
` APPEAL BOARD
`
`Address: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
`
`
`
` ON APPEAL
`
`26200 Enterprise Way
`
`

`
`Lake Forest, California 92630-8400
`
`
`
`
`EXAMINING ATTORNEY'S APPEAL BRIEF
`
`
`Applicant has appealed the examining attorney’s final refusal to register the service mark
`FLIGHTLINK for “meteorological forecasting; providing meteorological information; providing
`weather information; weather forecasting; weather information services; weather reporting” based
`on the grounds that the applied-for mark is merely descriptive of the identified services under
`Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 1052(e).
`
`FACTS
`
`
`On January 9, 2015, Applicant applied to register the service mark FLIGHTLINK for
`“meteorological
`forecasting; providing meteorological
`information; providing weather
`information; weather forecasting; weather information services; weather reporting”. In the Office
`Action dated April 23, 2015, the examining attorney refused registration under Trademark Act
`Section 2(e)(1) based on the descriptive nature of the mark in relation to the identified services.1
`The examining attorney made the refusal final in the Office Action dated November 30, 2015 and
`subsequently issued an Office Action on June 13, 2016 denying Applicant’s request for
`reconsideration.
`
`Applicant filed this appeal on August 3, 2016, and the case was forwarded to the examining attorney on
`August 8, 2016, for submission of his brief.
`
`
`
`ARGUMENT
`
`
`
`THE PROPOSED MARK MERELY DESCRIBES APPLICANT'S SERVICES
`
`
`1 The examiner also issued a refusal under Trademark Act Sections 1 and 45 based on an unacceptable specimen,
`which was withdrawn on November 30, 2015 based on Applicant’s amended filing basis under Trademark Act Section
`1(b) in the response filed October 12, 2015.
`
`

`
`Initially, the examining attorney notes Applicant’s arguments on pages four through seven in its brief
`relating to an alleged double entendre created by the mark FLIGHTLINK. Although Applicant previously
`argued against the stated refusal based on multiple meanings for the word “LINK” in the mark, Applicant
`never proffered a double entendre argument during the prosecution of the present application. As
`such, this new argument is now being considered by the examining attorney for the first time.
`
`
`
`Notwithstanding these facts, the examiner will articulate the reasons for holding such an argument
`unpersuasive in this reply brief.
`
` A
`
` mark is merely descriptive under Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. 1052(e)(1), if it describes an
`ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose or use of the relevant services. In re
`Gyulay, 820 F.2d 1216, 3 USPQ2d 1009 (Fed. Cir. 1987).
`
`
`
`In this case, Applicant’s mark FLIGHTLINK merely describes meteorological and weather services
`provided to various airplanes and airline fleets connected to a shared voice and data communications
`system for safe travel, airspace management and accurate real-time aviation monitoring, analysis and
`reporting.
`
`
`
`As noted by the dictionary definitions attached to the examining attorney’s Office Actions issued April
`23, 2015 and November 30, 2015, the words “Flight” and “Link” mean “a trip made by or in an airplane
`or spacecraft” and/or “a group of similar beings or objects flying through the air together” and “a
`connecting element or factor”, “a unit in a communication system”, “an identifier attached to an
`element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly
`identified elements”, “something that enables communication between people”, “to connect computers
`so that information can be sent between them”, “anything serving to connect one part or thing with
`another” and/or “connect”.
`
`
`
`

`
`In this regard, the Board is urged to take judicial notice of the attached printouts showing
`similar/identical definitions from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth
`Edition (2006), Dictionary of Aeronautical English (1999) and Dictionary of Computing, Sixth
`Edition (2010), labeled as Exhibits A, B and C.2 TBMP Section 704.12.
`
`
`
`Material obtained from the Internet is generally accepted as competent evidence. In re Leonhardt, 109
`USPQ2d 2091, 2098 (TTAB 2008) (accepting Internet evidence to show descriptiveness); TBMP
`§1208.03; TMEP §710.01(b). Applicant never disputed this evidence.
`
`
`
`Instead, Applicant argues on page four in its brief that the proposed mark is not merely descriptive
`because “there is nothing in the identification of [services] related to a ‘flightlink’.” However, the
`determination of whether a mark is merely descriptive is made in relation to an applicant’s services, not
`in the abstract. DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d 1247, 1254, 103 USPQ2d
`1753, 1757 (Fed. Cir. 2012)
`
`
`
`“Whether consumers could guess what the product [or service] is from consideration of the mark alone
`is not the test.” In re Am. Greetings Corp., 226 USPQ 365, 366 (TTAB 1985).
`
`
`
`Rather, the question is “whether someone who knows what the goods and[/or] services are will
`understand the mark to convey information about them.” DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med.
`Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d at 1254, 103 USPQ2d at 1757 (quoting In re Tower Tech, Inc., 64 USPQ2d 1314,
`1316-17 (TTAB 2002)).
`
`
`
`Furthermore, “[a] mark may be merely descriptive even if it does not describe the ‘full scope and extent’
`of the applicant’s goods or services.” In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d
`
`
`2 The Board may take judicial notice of dictionary definitions. Univ. of Notre Dame du Lac v. J. C. Gourmet Food
`Imps. Co., Inc., 213 UQPQ 594 (TTAB 1982), aff’d, 703 F.2d 1372, 217 USPQ 505 (Fed. Cir. 1983).
`
`
`

`
`1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (citing In re Dial-A-Mattress Operating Corp., 240 F.3d 1341, 1346, 57
`USPQ2d 1807, 1812 (Fed. Cir. 2001)); TMEP §1209.01(b). It is enough if a mark describes only one
`significant function, attribute, or property. In re The Chamber of Commerce of the U.S., 675 F.3d 1297,
`1300, 102 USPQ2d 1217, 1219 (Fed. Cir. 2012); TMEP §1209.01(b).
`
`
`
`In this case, the dictionary evidence of record showing common meanings for the terms “FLIGHT” and
`“LINK” in the mark unequivocally supports the stated refusal. In addition, the original specimen
`proffered by Applicant in support of registration indicates that “connected aircraft benefit from a wide
`range of aviation applications that enhance the operations of partnering airlines, including automatic,
`global real-time aircraft position reports” and “[t]he shared satellite datalink provides carriers with
`improved air-ground and ground-air communications, including both voice & text during each flight.”
`[Emphasis added].
`
`
`
`Moreover, the following passages from Applicant’s website referenced in the Final Office Action
`demonstrate the descriptive significance of the word “Link” in relation to the identified services:
`
`1. “FlightLink
`includes multi-function
`‘end-to-end’ solution that
`is a complete
`atmospheric and GPS sensors, dedicated two-way satellite communication system,
`and ground-based data management and quality assurance.”;
`2. “FlightLink is compatible with all aircraft types, and the communication architecture
`provides real-time two way information exchange at any altitude, everywhere aircraft
`fly, even over the poles.”;
`3. “The FlightLink system includes a dedicated Iridium satellite datalink and operates
`automatically, requiring no crew involvement.”; and
`4. “The patented TAMDAR sensor collects sophisticated weather data through the
`upper atmosphere during the flight of an aircraft, and transmits the information via
`Iridium satellites in real-time for analysis and assimilation into high-resolution
`weather forecasting models.”
`[Emphasis added]. Material obtained from Applicant’s website is acceptable as competent evidence. In
`re N.V. Organon, 79 USPQ2d 1639, 1642-43 (TTAB 2006); TBMP §1208.03; TMEP §710.01(b).
`
`
`
`

`
`Accordingly, when considering the undisputed dictionary definitions, Applicant’s original specimen and
`website literature, it is clear that consumers will immediately recognize and perceive the nature of the
`identified services when encountering the mark FLIGHTLINK with meteorological and weather services
`provided to various airplanes and airline fleets connected to a shared voice and data communications
`system for safe travel, airspace management and accurate real-time aviation monitoring, analysis and
`reporting.
`
`
`
`In response to Applicant’s statement on page four in its brief that “[it] is unaware of anything referred to
`as a ‘flightlink’”, the fact that Applicant may be the first or only user of a merely descriptive designation
`does not necessarily render a word or term incongruous or distinctive. In re Phoseon Tech., Inc., 103
`USPQ2d 1822, 1826 (TTAB 2012); TMEP §1209.03(c).
`
`
`
`Applicant further posits on page four in its brief that the stated refusal is unwarranted because “[t]he
`Examiner [improperly] dissected the compound word mark into the separate words ‘FLIGHT’ and ‘LINK’.”
`
`
`
`However, a trademark examining attorney may consider the significance of each element separately in
`the course of evaluating the mark as a whole. DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695
`F.3d at 1253, 103 USPQ2d at 1756-57 (reversing Board’s denial of cancellation for SNAP! with design for
`medical syringes as not merely descriptive when noting that the Board “to be sure, [could] ascertain the
`meaning and weight of each of the components that ma[de] up the mark”).
`
`
`
`Furthermore, if the individual components of a mark retain their descriptive meaning in relation to the
`services, the combination results in a composite mark that is itself descriptive and not registrable. In re
`Driven Innovations, Inc., 115 USPQ2d 1261, 1262, 1267-68 (TTAB 2015) (holding DOTBLOG merely
`descriptive of providing information for customers derived from blogs, shared online journals, or related
`to blogs, via the Internet).
`
`
`
`

`
`In this case, both the individual components and the composite result are descriptive of Applicant’s
`services and do not create a unique, incongruous, or nondescriptive meaning in relation to the services.
`
`
`
`Applicant argues on pages four and five in its brief that the stated refusal is unfounded because “the
`compound word conveys at least two different meanings when considered in relation to Applicant’s
`services [and] . . . comprises a double entendre in that it has multiple interpretations in the context of
`[the identified] services”.
`
`
`
`As stated previously, Applicant’s argument is unsound. Furthermore, of noteworthy significance is
`Applicant’s comment in its request for reconsideration filed May 23, 2016 indicating the mark as a
`whole “[has] no meaning in connection with weather-related services.”
`
`
`
`Nevertheless, in support of this newly-adopted theory, Applicant contends on page six of its brief “[one]
`meaning of ‘FLIGHTLINK’ which would be readily apparent to the public is a unit in a communication
`system related to airplanes or flights.” However, as conceded by Applicant in the following sentence,
`“[i]n this case, the meaning is descriptive of a component or function of the system that provides the
`services.” [Emphasis added]. Therefore, there is no dispute this alleged interpretation is descriptive.
`
`
`
`On page five of its brief, Applicant further proffers a potential interpretation that “the public would
`readily associate the compound word ‘FLIGHTLINK’ as meaning connections between flights or
`airplanes.” However, this theory is speculative and misplaced.
`
`
`
`Specifically, as acknowledged by Applicant in its request for reconsideration, “the term ‘LINK’ relates to
`a traditional definition of ‘connection’.” This descriptive connotation is supported by the dictionary
`evidence of record and Applicant’s comments on pages five and six in its brief that “[a] ‘shared datalink’
`. . . provides carriers with improved air-ground and ground-air communication, including both voice &
`text during each flight.” [Emphasis added].
`
`
`
`

`
`Moreover, Applicant’s comments support the descriptive impression created by the mark of providing
`meteorological and weather services to airplanes and airline fleets/carriers connected to/through a
`shared datalink for safe travel, airspace management and accurate real-time aviation monitoring,
`analysis and reporting. Therefore, inasmuch as both double entendre interpretations suggested by
`Applicant are descriptive in relation to the services, the stated refusal should be maintained and
`continued.
`
`
`
`Finally, Applicant contends on page seven in its brief “the Trademark Office has registered a number of
`third-party marks, including the term ‘FLIGHT’ or ‘LINK’ for similar services without finding such terms to
`be merely descriptive.”
`
`
`
`However, the fact that third-party registrations exist for marks allegedly similar to Applicant’s mark is
`not conclusive on the issue of descriptiveness. In re Scholastic Testing Serv., Inc., 196 USPQ 517, 519
`(TTAB 1977); TMEP §1209.03(a). An applied-for mark that is merely descriptive does not become
`registrable simply because other seemingly similar marks appear on the register. In re Scholastic Testing
`Serv., Inc., 196 USPQ at 519; TMEP §1209.03(a). As noted by McCarthy:
`
`
`“The fact that other parties or even this same applicant have obtained
`registrations in similar circumstances without encountering the
`objection raised by the examiner is not a proper or sufficient reply
`to the examining attorney’s argument that there is a statutory bar to
`this application. [W]hile equality of treatment is a goal, it cannot
`invariably be realized when hundreds of different examiners
`interpret the law in thousands of applications over a number of
`years. The proper application of the statute will always trump the
`goal of uniformity of treatment. The fact that an examiner in the
`past may have improvidently granted a registration in similar
`circumstances is not a reason for the present Examiner, the Board or
`a court to perpetuate the mistake so that it spreads like a virus,
`
`

`
`eventually eroding the reliability and integrity of the federal
`register.”3
`
`
`
`Therefore, although previous examining attorneys may not have had evidence to substantiate a
`disclaimer requirement or descriptive refusal for the wording at issue and may have analyzed certain
`cases differently based on case-specific facts, the evidence of record in the present case clearly
`substantiates the stated refusal.
`
`
`
`Furthermore, as noted by the examining attorney’s reconsideration denial letter mailed June 13, 2016,
`Applicant’s argument regarding third-party registrations is not compelling because (1) the word
`“FLIGHT” is disclaimed from the third-party marks, (2) some third-party marks were registered on the
`Supplemental Register and (3) the majority of third-party marks create vastly different, non-descriptive,
`commercial impressions than the applied-for mark.
`
`
`
`What’s more, it is well settled that each case must be decided on its own facts and the Trademark Trial
`and Appeal Board is not bound by prior decisions involving different records. In re Nett Designs, Inc.,
`236 F. 3d 1339, 1342, 57 USPQ2d 1564, 1566 (Fed. Cir. 2001); TMEP §1209.03(a). The question of
`whether a mark is merely descriptive is determined based on the evidence of record at the time each
`registration is sought. In re theDot Commc’ns Network LLC, 101 USPQ2d 1062, 1064 (TTAB 2011); TMEP
`§1209.03(a).
`
`
`For the reasons set forth above, the refusal to register under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act
`should be affirmed.
`
`CONCLUSION
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`
`
`
`3 3 J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition §19:125 (4th ed. 2005).
`
`

`
`/David Yontef/
`
`Trademark Attorney Advisor
`
`Law Office 118
`
`(571) 272-8274
`
`david.yontef@uspto.gov
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Thomas G. Howell
`
`Managing Attorney
`
`Law Office 118
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Ta 3 »*~.§’_H' 1'. "."f'
`
`“_ }‘.,‘_"'V
`
`FOURTH EDITION
`
`The
`.
`_
`Amerlcan _
`Her1tage® D1ct10nary
`of the English Language
`
`“ HCUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY
`
`-Q3‘ Bos an New York
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`
`
`Words are included in this Dictionary on the basis of their usage.
`Words that are known to have current trademark registrations are
`shown with an initial capital and are also identified as trademarks. N0
`investigation has been made of common-law trademark rights in any
`word, because such investigation is impracticable. The inclusion of any
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`American Heritage® and the eagle logo are registered trademarks of
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`Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
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`The American Heritage dictionary of the English language.-4th ed.
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`ISBN 0-395-32517-2 (hardcover) — ISBN 0-618-08230-1
`(hardcover with CD ROM)
`1. English language—Dictionaries
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`

`
`fley 1 run
`
`fiiflht did!
`U55 Afarultnnl Limlolrr
`
`flipper
`top: sea lion
`frattum: swimming flippers
`
`flirt-does [fl.tn-'dare} pi.tI. Bits. fragtncnts. or splinters. [Middle ling-
`Scots To frighten. [Middle Eng-
`{flit} rr.v. ‘flayed. flay-inn. fie
`hshfieicot. from Old English fl)‘-gun. j dfirtrl. See plauo in Appendix I.I
`inter.]
`Elljlhflendris. possibly of Scandinavian orlgirt; akin to Norwegian flindra.
`fllhohervtl-glb-bat lfllhfsr-te-jtb'Itj rt. A silly. a-catlerbrain-ccl. or
`Filllvders {fhn-'dai-c). Si: Matthew 17-‘?4—l 8-Iii. British explorer who
`us person. [Middle English flipru-grlxt.[
`sailed to New South Wales (IP15) and suhsequendy made a thorough
`it {fills} rt. Slrmg A polio: officer. specially in Frame. |FrI:nch.]
`study ul the Australian coast
`filth‘ tjfllk) rt. 1a. A light quick blow. jerk. or touch: oflirk of the wrist:
`Fiirldtlts ilanyl A rnuunlaitl range or south-central Austnija east
`pine my horse aflick with the reins b. The sound uocum nying (ht mo-
`of lake Torrens. The highest peak is l.lti9.5 m (3.900 ftl.
`tion. 1. A light splash. dash. or daub. 9 V. flicked.
`id:-ing, flicks
`Fllfldflfl iIi'Il'9l' Art intennittent river of northeast Australia: flowing
`—tr. 1. To touch or hit with I light quick hiow: flicked him with his hand.
`about 83? km (520 mi] northwest to the Gulf of (.'arp4.'nt-
`ta.
`See synonyms at i:II'usl't‘. 2. To cause to move with a light hkvw: jiiclu-d
`the fight wild: on. 3. To rlrrlltwtr with a light quick blow: fliciord lint off
`fling {fling}
`v. flung fflt‘.tng}, fling-ing, fiings —tr. 1. To throw
`the mat.
`-—itttt: To twitch or flutter. |IIuilntive.I —’fildtfIIIhlo adj.
`with violencerflung the dish ugrrinst the wall. See synonyms at throw. 2.
`filth’ (fllkt
`rt. Slang A movie. [Short for FI.[Clt£tt'.|
`To put or send suddenly or urunrpoctedtgr. troops that It-ereflung into but-
`tlr. 3. To throw {oneself} into an acti
`' y with abandon and energy. 4.
`‘fii¢k‘II" (fiI‘k"ar]
`IL fired. -It-ing. -ers —itt.rr. 1. To move waver-
`To cast aside: disrard: fl.r'ng propriety away. —inrt: To move quiddy. vi-
`lttgljr. flutter: shadmvs fiichering an the mil. 2. Tu burn llI1£II.'8Llliy' or fit-
`olently. or impulsively. 9 n. 1. The act cl
`girls. 2. A brief period of
`fully. —fl'. To cause to move wswringly. O u. 1. A brief movement: a
`tremor. 1. An incnnsmnt orwaver1'ngl.igl'tt. 3. A brief or slight sensation:
`indulging W163 impulses. See s3-11nny-ms at
`gas. 3. frtjorrrrul A usurtlly
`hrief attempt or effort: You tulte offing of
`A brief sexual or romantic
`nfllcher afdoubt. 6. Slang A movie. llvliddle English flihrren. lo flutter.
`from Old English flI'c\~rirm.]
`relationship. [Middle Englidt flingrn. oi
`udinavlan origin. See plélt-f
`in Appendix I.]
`flick-er’ (fl|kfar.'l it. Any of various large North American woodpeck-
`flint iITiurJ rt. 1. A very hard. fine-grained quartz that sparks when
`ers of the genus Colaptes.
`cially (.'. atmttrat.
`the cornrnon flicker.
`
`struck with steel. 2a. A piece of flint used tr: product I! spark. b. A small
`fl.lCK
`solid cylinder of a spark-producing allay, used in lighters to '
`ite the
`haviupla brown bade. sport
`breast. and white rump. [Perhaps from
`fund. 3. A piece of flint used as a tool by prehistoric humans. *1. Some-
`flicklifltlli lfiikfar-l:1.i'] u. see Richardson's ground squirrel.
`
`thing rfiemhlirtg fli.rtl in hardness: tr jaw of flint. [Middle English. from
`Hind tflid) inrr.u Past tense and past participle of fly‘ tat.-use 7}.
`Old Englisl-t.l
`fii'If also fly-or {lT1|'.trl PI. 1. One. such as an insect or bird. that flies
`Fillfl lfffntl A city of southeast-central Michigan north-ntIrthwI,1it of
`with wings. I. The pilot of an ircralt. 3. A passenger in an aircraft:
`Detroit. Founded on the site of rt tu.r-trading pusl cslahlislteui in ms. it
`qtteiuljnm for bt:siness_['Ir'as. II. A pantphlet or circular for mass distri-
`became an automobile-manufacturing center in the early 1900s. Popula-
`bution. 5. A step in a straight stairway. 6. informal A during venture. I.
`tiunr l4n.?6|.
`often flyer Aaunulian An exceptionally swift kangaroo.
`ll. A variety of corn [Zen may: var. innfurntrzl having small
`'fill'II. ¢Ol'I'|
`
`hand grains. See Reyhnal Note at johnnyeake.
`flint glass rt. A soft. fusible lustrous. brilliant lead-usideoptical glass
`with high refraction and low dispersion. Also nailed lend glass.
`
`
`flintiilllli tflT.nt"iv)d"} rt. Scewood ibis.
`flint-lode {fl1nt'Iok'} .-:. 1. An obsoletegunlnck in which a mm fixed.
`in the hamrner produces u spark that ignites the charge. 2. A firearm
`having this type of gunloek. Also called jirelock.
`Flint Ithrar A river of western Georgia flowing about 53! km [330
`mi: generally southward to join the Chattahoochee River and form the
`Apalachicola River at the Florida border.
`‘fill'l'IIy t|TInl"le} adj. -I-er. -lies‘! 1. Containing or corn
`of flint.
`2. Unyieldittg: stem: rtflinty manner. —fIlnt’i-ly adv. -— rnfi-ness ll.
`flip [flip]
`Id flipped, flip-plug. flips —rr. 1. To thrrvw or loss with
`a light brisk motion:flr'ppeu' me the ball; flippn! his hair out of his eyes. 2.
`Tn toss in the air. imparting :1 spin: flip :1 coin. 33. To turn over or
`around, especially with I] Ii
`I quick motion: flip at-era card.‘ flipped the
`tape to play the other sidr.
`. To turn through: leaf: flippevf the pages 0
`the report. 4. Th strike qu icltly or lightly“. flick. 5. To move or act on wit
`a -quick motion:flip ll .rwiteit:flipprd open her briefcase. —imr. 1. ‘lb turn
`over: The mnoejlipprd over in the rupids. 1. To turn a sornersault. espe-
`cially in the air. 3. To move in twists and turrtszjish fl:'p_-pt"-up uhour in the
`net. 4.. To move quickly and lightly: snap: The htljlipprd open. 5. To leaf:
`hrowse:fli pad through the catalogue. is. Slang a. To go crazy. Often used
`with our.
`‘l‘n react strongly and especially enthusiastically: Sheflipped
`owrtlte new air. 4' :1‘. ‘I. The act of flipping. especially: at. A flick or rap.
`Is. A short. quick movement: with nflip of the wrist. c. A -i0i'lIEr§iull. 2.
`injarntai A reversal: a flipflop. 3. A mined drink made with any of var-
`ious alcoholic beverages and often including beaten egg; 0 adj. flip-
`pet. flip-post Informal Marked by casual disrespect; im rtim-nt: gave
`aflip answer ton serious question. —fdfOl'|‘|.‘ flip l0|'|O‘°i] id Slang 1. To
`react strongly. as with anger or enthusiasm. 2. To go crazy. [Perhaps im-
`il.aI.ivl:.l
`flipvhoctlt {fi'IpJ'btfilt."}
`rt. A small book consisting of a series of
`images that give the illusion of continuous ntmement when the edges of
`the pages are flipped quickly.
`flip dill‘! rt. A chart consisting of sheets hinged at the top that can
`he flipped over to present information sequentially.
`‘flip-flt3|) [fl'[p|'fl6p"l I1’. 1. The movement or sound of repeated flatl-
`ping. 2. A backward sornersaull or hartdspring. 3. lrrformol A reversal,
`as of .1 stand or position: a foreign: policy flip-flop. 4. A backless. often
`foam rubber sandal held to the foot at the big toe by means of a thong.
`5. Electronics An electronic circuit or mechanical device capable of as-
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`III. The act or an instance of running away; an escape.
`iflltl
`
`
`[Middle English. from Did English 'j‘iyltt. See pleu- in Appendix |.[
`fllflfl ithlflditlt rr. A person who assists passengers in an aircraft.
`
`11l.fll1 bag ll. A lightweight flexible piece of luggage with zippered
`tllnttide pockets.
`duck n. 1. The upper deck of an aircraft carrier. used as a
`runway. 2. An elevated nompartrnent in certain aircraft. used by the
`ilot. copilot. and flight engineer.
`M engineer n. The crew member responsible for the mechan-
`ical perfonmnce of an aircraft in flight.
`flight fentlsor n. Any of the ootnpttrattvely large. stiff feathers of a
`bird‘: wing or tail that are necessary for flight.
`flight-Ian (l'i'tt|‘Its) adj.
`Incapable of flying. Used of trrlain birds.
`such as the penguin.
`fiiflflf lino rt The area of an airfield. specifically the parking area and
`the maintenance hangars. where aircraft are mtloadod, offloaded. and
`serviced.
`fiiflffl path it. The precise route taken or due to be taken through
`the air by an aircraft or spacecraft.
`filflifl plan I1. A detailed statement of the schedule and expected
`route of an aircraft or spacecraft.
`flight rocordor n. A crashworthy device that records data about an
`aircraft’: fligltt. such as airspeed. heading, and the procedures of the
`iflflt surgeon II. An air force pliysician who specializes in aero-
`pilot. Also called black inn‘.
`medicine.
`flight-host {fllt’test'] n-.v. -test-Id. -lest-ing. -1513 To test {an
`aircraft. for esitrnplcjl during flight.
`'l'ii§i‘I‘l"'lItDr-thy {filth-\rIIIr'the] adj. Denoting an aircraft that is me-
`rhanically or stniclurally fit to ffy. —f|igl1t.Fwor't.hi0ness ll.
`flight-y (fit-“tel adj. -i0eI'. -i-en 18. Given to capricious or unstable
`behavior. It. Cha.racteriz.cd by irrta-pnnsible or silly behavior. 2. Easily
`encitcdr. skittish. --flightfioiy adv. —rtlIgln-flcnoss n.
`filrn-‘Ham [fl.1.m-"fll.rn‘} fnjerlnol I1 1. Nonsense’. humbug, 2. A de-
`ception: a swinclle. -O rm-. -Hammad. -flamtmin -floats To st-vindlr.
`cheat. [Probably of Scandinavian origin.I—flilI1f' amfrnlr n. -»-flim’-
`flamfiner-y n.
`‘flilhisjt (i'itm|'zeJ adj. —si-er. -si-est 1. light. thin. and insubstantial:
`ojfimsyfalrric. 3. Lacking solidity or strength: a flimsy mhie. 3. Lacking
`plausibility: unrzortvincing: nflim-sy caucus: 0 n., pl. —sies ‘I. Thin pa
`r
`usually used to make multiple
`ics. 2. Something, written on this
`'
`paper: |On‘.y‘n un.knuwn.[ —flim'si-ly adv. —‘flitI'l’si0ne5$ rt.
`flilsdt {much} in.-r.i-. fllnchsd. flinch-ing. flinch-es 1. To start or
`wince involuntarily, as from an rpri.-ac or pain. 2. Tu recoil. as front some-
`thing unpleasant or difficult: shrink. db :2. An act or instance of starting.
`winging, or mmiling. [Obsolete French jlenrfrir. of Germanic origin.]
`—fIincl1’er n. —‘l|lnch!ingI!y adv.
`
`store a single hit of infrirnutinn. — ipl-flop’ I‘.
`suming either of two stable states. e¥c€ially a computer circuit used to
`‘fll|l"|IlI\1.tI‘l'lpJ'anr] adj. 1. Marked by disrespectful levily or casual-
`ntss: pen. 2. Arcitaic 'l‘alkat:i1-er. voiuble. [Probably lrnrn I=LIt-.| —fiip'-
`pan-cy n. —li|p-Vpant-ly adv.
`flip-per (flip-‘arl
`rr. 1. A wide flat limb. as of a seal. whaic. or other
`aquatic mammal. adapted for swimming. 1. A rubber covering for the
`foot having a flat flexible portion that widens as it extends forward from
`the mes. used in swimmixtg and divin Also called fin. 3. A flat lever in
`a pinball toarltiate. used to hit the MI so it stays in play.
`flip side :1. frrjorrnul ‘I. The reverse side. as at I phonograph record.
`2. The opposite side: ‘fireflip rid‘: of retrospectively mvnging the laser is
`l.t¢.atr'_fyirtg.
`.
`. the wirrtIer"{C°rtar1es Krauthammer}.
`flirt {Hurt} V. flirt-ed. flirt-ing. flirts —t'nrr. 1. To rnalte playfully
`rornarllic or sexual otrerturu. 2. To deal playfully. I.rifl.ingly. or superfi-
`cially with:flI'rt with danger. 3. To move abruptly or jerkily. —tr. 1. "lb
`loss or flip suddenly. I. To more quickly. 6 n. 1. One ' en lo flirting.
`1. An ahrupt jerking movement. |0rig:in unh1ow'rt.[ — iflfll‘ adj.
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`lllligllliga (ling-gwéfsa. -sll. llrr-1 rl. A highly seasoned Portuguese
`prrrltsuusage flavored with g.1l'l.ic.onions. and pepper. [Rrr1uguese. prohv
`alrlyulrirnately from Late Latin farlgllo. large intestine. from Latin langui-
`Iang. See del-‘ in Appendix 1.]
`llnfinulerln also lin-gui-ni {ling-gwwtti rt. Pasta in long. llat. thin
`strands. [|t.alian. pl. of lingui