To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
`
`Sent As:
`
`Attachments:
`
`Panasonic Avionics Corporation (brian.furrer@panasonic.aero)
`
`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 86499954 - FLIGHTLINK - 004T - EXAMINER BRIEF
`
`10/12/2016 11:51:31 AM
`
`ECOM118@USPTO.GOV
`
`Attachment - 1
`Attachment - 2
`Attachment - 3
`Attachment - 4
`Attachment - 5
`Attachment - 6
`Attachment - 7
`Attachment - 8
`Attachment - 9
`Attachment - 10
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
`
`U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 86499954
`
`MARK: FLIGHTLINK               
`
`*86499954*
`
`CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
`     
`
`  26200 ENTERPRISE WAY
`
`     
`
`         
`
`GENERAL TRADEMARK INFORMATION:
`
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/index.jsp   
`
`TTAB INFORMATION:
`
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/appeal/index.jsp   
`
`  BRIAN FURRER            
`  PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION             
`  LAKE FOREST, CA 92630-8400              
`APPLICANT: Panasonic Avionics Corporation         
`CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO :      
`CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS:   
`
`    004T        
`
`   
`
`        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                                  
`
`             
`
`TRADEMARK TRIAL
`
`Serial No.:      
`
`  86499954                  
`
`Attorney:        
`
`  Brian Furrer, Esq.    
`
`   
`
`       
`
`            
`
`                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
`
`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 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:
`
`3.    
`
`solution that includes multi-function atmospheric and GPS sensors, dedicated two-
`1.     “FlightLink is a complete ‘end-to-end’
`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.”;
`“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 data link’ . . . 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
`
` 
` 
` 
` 
` 
` 
` 
`

`

`that an examiner in the past may have improvidently granted a registration in similar
`treatment.  The fact
`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). 
`
`CONCLUSION
`
`For the reasons set forth above, the refusal to register under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act should be affirmed.                                                                            
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`/David Yontef/
`
`Trademark Attorney Advisor
`
`Law Office 118
`
`(571) 272-8274
`
`david.yontef@uspto.gov
`
`Thomas G. Howell
`
`Managing Attorney
`
`Law Office 118
`
` 
` 
` 
`   
`                
`    
`

`

`[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,
`based on Applicant’s amended filing basis under Trademark Act Section 1(b) in the response filed October 12, 2015.
`[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
`aff’d , 703 F.2d 1372, 217 USPQ 505 (Fed. Cir. 1983).
`
`2015
`
`1982),
`
`[3] 3 J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition §19:125 (4th ed. 2005).
`
` 
`

`

`.
`The
`Amerlcan
`Heritage? Dictionary
`of the English Language
`
`\1 80C m Nchork
`
`FOURTH EDITION
`
`" HCUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY
`R.
`
`

`

`American Heritage® and the eagle logo are registered trademarks of
`Forbes Inc. Their use is pursuant to a license agreement with
`Forbes Inc.
`
`Copyright © 2006, 2000 Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
`
`No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
`by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
`recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without
`the prior written permission of Houghton Mifflin Company unless
`such copying is expressly permitted by federal copyright law. Address
`inquiries to Reference Permissions, Houghton Mifflin Company,
`222 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116.
`
`Words are included in this Dictionary on the basis of their usage,
`Words that are known to have current trademark registrationsare
`shown with an initial capital and are also identified as trademarks. No
`investigation has been made of common—law trademark rights in any
`word, because such investigation is impracticable. The inclusion of any
`word in this Dictionary is not, however, an expression of the
`Publisher’s opinion as to whether or not it is subject to proprietary
`rights. Indeed, no definition in this Dictionary is to be regarded as
`affecting the validity of any trademark.
`
`Manufactured in the United States of America
`
`ISBN-13: 978-0—618—70172—8
`ISBN—1010618701729
`ISBN-13: 978—0-618770173—5 (hardcover with CD«ROM)
`ISBN-10: 0»618»70173-7 (hardcover with CD—ROM)
`
`Visit our websites: www.houghtonmifflinbookscom
`or www.ahdicti0nary.com
`
`Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
`
`The American Heritage dictionary of the English language.—4th ed.
`p.
`cm.
`ISBN 0—3957825172 (hardcover) — ISBN 0-618-08230-1
`(hardcover with CD ROM)
`1. English languageiDictionaries
`PEl628 .A623 2000
`423—dc21
`
`00—025369
`
`

`

`673
`
`flincders (flin’dara) pln. Bits, fragments. or splinters. [Middle Eng-
`lish flena‘n's, possibly of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian flimlra.
`splinter.]
`FIin-ders (flln'dam). Sir Matthew 1774—1814. British explorer who
`sailed to New South Wales (1795) and subsequently made a thorough
`study of the Australian coast.
`Flinders Range A mountain range of sourhecenrral Australia east
`of Lake Torrens. The highest peak is 1.1895 in (3,900 ft).
`Flinders River An intermittent river of northeast Australia flowing
`about 837 km (520 mi) northwest to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
`fling (fling)
`v. flung (flung). fling-ing. flings ——tr. 1. To throw
`with violence: flung the dish against the wall. See synonyms at throw. 2.
`To pot or send suddenly or unexpectedly: troops that were flung inm bat-
`tle. 3. To throw (oneself) into an activity with abandon and energy. 4.
`To cast aside; discard: fling propriety away. —intr. To move quickly. vi-
`olently. or impulsively.
`‘9' n. 1. The act of flinging. 2. A brief period of
`indulging one’s impulses. Sec synonyms at binge. 3. informal A usually
`brief attempt or effort: You take a fling at it. 4. A brief sexual or romantic
`relationship. [Middle English flingen. of Scandinavia) origin. See plik-2
`in Appendix 1.]
`flint (flint) n. 1. A very hard. fine-grained quartz that sparks when
`struck with steel. 23. A piece of flint used to produce a spark. b. A small
`solid cylinder of a spark-producing alloy, used in lighters to ignite the
`fuel. 3. A piece of flint used as a tool by prehistoric humans. 4. Same
`thing resembling flint in hardness: a jaw afflinr. [Middle English. from
`Old English]
`Flint (flint) A city of southeast-central Michigan north-northwest of
`Detroit. Founded on the site of a fur-trading post established in 1819, it
`became an automobile-manufacturing center in the early 19005. Popula-
`tion: 140.761.
`fllnt corn rr. A variety of corn (Zea mays var. indurata) having small
`hard grains. Sec Regional Note at johnnycake.
`flint glass it. A soft. fusible. lustrous, brilliant leaduoxide optical glass
`with high refraction and low dispersion. Also called lead glass.
`flint-head (tltntlhéd') n. See wood ibis.
`flint-lock (flint’lbk') n. 1. An obsolete gunlock inwhich a flint fixed
`in the hammer produces a spark that ignites the charge. 2. A firearm
`having this type of gunloclc Also called fireloclc.
`Flint River A river of western Georgia flowing about 531 km (330
`mi) generally southward to join the Chattahoochee River and form the
`Apalachicola River at the Florida border.
`flint-y (flin’té) adj. Ai-er, -i-est 1. Containing or composed of flint.
`2. Uuyieldirrg; stem: :1 flinty manner. —-f|intli'|y adv. —f|int’i-ness n.
`flip (flip)
`v. flipped. flip-ping. flips —tr. 1. To throw or toss with
`a light brisk motion: flipped me the ball,- flipped his hair out of his eyes. 2.
`To toss in the air. imparting a spin: flip a coin. 3a. To turn over or
`around. especially with a light quick motion: flip over a card: flipped the
`tape to play the other side. 13. To turn through; leaf: flipped the Pages of
`the report. 4. To strike quickly or lightly; flick. 5. To move or act on with
`a quick motion: flip a switch; flipped open her briefcase. —irrtr. 1. To turn
`over: The canoe flipped over in the rapids. 2. "1‘0 turn a somersault. espe-
`cially in the air. 3. To move in twists and turns: fish flipping about in the
`net. 4. To move quickly and lightly; snap: The lidflipped open. 5. To leaf;
`browse: flipped through the catalogue. 6. Slang a. To go crazy. Often used
`with out. b. To react strongly and especially enthusiastically: She flipped
`over the new car. 9 n. 1. The act of flipping, especially: a. A flick or tap.
`b. A short. quick movement: with a flip of the wrist, c. A somersault. 2.
`Informal A reversal; a flipflop. 3. A mixed drink made with any of var-
`ious alcoholic beverages and often including beaten eggs.
`‘3' adj. flip.
`per, flip-pest Infamral Marked by casual disrespect; impertinent: gave
`aflip answer to a serious question. -- ldlorn: flip (one's) lid Slang 1. To
`react strongly. as with anger or enthusiasm. 2. To go crazy. [Perhaps im»
`itative.]
`n. A small book consisting of a series of
`flip-book (flip'bo'ok')
`images that give the illusion of continuous movement when the edges of
`the pages are flipped quickly.
`fllp chart a. A chart consisting of sheets hinged at the top that can
`be flipped over to present information sequentially.
`flip-flop (flip'flop’) n. 1. The movement or sound of repeated flap-
`ping. 2. A backward somersault or handspring. 3. Informal A reversal,
`as of a stand or position: a foreign polity flip-flap. d. 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-
`suming either of two stable states. especially a computer circuit used to
`store a single bit of information. ——f|ip'-f|op' v.
`fllpopant (ffipfant) aa‘j. 1. Marked by disrespectful levity or casual-
`ness; pert. 2. Archaic Talkative; voluble. [Probably from FLIF.] —flip'-
`pan-try n. flflip’pant-ly adv.
`flip-per (flip'ar) n. 1. A wide flat limb. as of a seal. whale. or other
`aquatic mammal. adapted for swimming. 2. A rubber covering for the
`foot having a flat flexible portion that widens as it extends forward from
`the toes. used in swimming and diving. Also called fin. 3. A flat lever in
`a pinball machine, used to hit the ball so it stays in play.
`flip side n.
`l’rtfomral 1. The reverse side. as of a phonograph record.
`2. The opposite side: “The flip side of retrospectively savaging the laser is
`bean'fying. . . the winner“ (Charles Krauthanuner).
`flirt (fifirt)
`v. flirt-ed. flirt-ing, flirts —intr. 1. To make playfully
`romantic or sexual overtures. 2. To deal playfully. triflingly. or superfi-
`cially with: flirt with danger: 3. To move abruptly or jerkily. ——tr. 1. To
`loss or flip suddenly. 2. To move quickly. # n. 1. One given to flirting.
`2. An abrupt jerking movement. [Origin unknown] —f|irt’y adj.
`
`flay (in) tiny. flayed, flay-ing, fleys Scots To frighten. [Middle Enge
`lishflefen, from Old English flygan. flégan. See pleu- in Appendix L]
`fllb-hervti-gib-het (fli’b'ar—te—fib’it) n. A silly. scatterbrained. or
`ous person. [Middle English flipergeber.]
`ic (fli'k) n. Slang A police officer. especially in France. [French]
`fllclt‘ (flIk) n. 1a. A light quick blow. jerk. or touch: a [lick of the wrist:
`gave my horse afliclc with the reins. b. The sound accorn anying this mo—
`tion. 2. A light splash. dash. or daub. 0 v. flicked.
`Iick-ing. flicks
`—t‘r. 1. To touch or hit with a light quick blow: flicked him with his hand.
`See synonyms at brush‘. 2. To cause to move with a light blow: flicked
`the light switch on. 3. To remove with a light quick blow: flicked lint off
`the coat. firm. To twitch or flutter. [lmirative] —fliclr'a-ble adj.
`flick“ (fit'k) rr. Slang A movie. [Short for FLICKER'.]
`fllI:l(°¢l"l (fll’lcbt)
`v: -ered. —er'ing. -ers ——intr. 1. To move waver-
`ingly; flutter: shadows flickering on the wall. 2. To burn unsteadin or fit
`fully. —tr. To cause to move waveringly. 6 n. 1. A brief movement; a
`tremor. 2. An inconstant or wavering light. 3. A brief or slight sensation:
`a flicker of doubt. 4. Slang A movie. [Middle English flilreren. to flutter,
`from Old English flicerianJ
`flicker“ (flik'ar) n. Any of various large North American woodpeck-
`m of the genus Colaptes, especially C. narrates, the common flicker.
`having a brown back, sported breast. and white rump. [Perhaps from
`word]
`flick-entail [fiflcfar-tal') n. See Richardson's ground squirrel.
`flied (flid) from. Past tense and past participle of fly1 (sense 7).
`fll-er also flycer (Hilar) rt. 1. One. such as an insect or bird, that flies
`with wings. 2. The pilot of an aircraft. 3. A passenger in an aircraft:
`special fares for business fliers. 4. A pamphlet or circular for mas distri-
`bution. 5. A step in a straight stairway. G. informal A daring venture. 7'.
`.
`-
`,-
`1
`often flyer Australian An exceptionally swift kangaroo.
`
`flight? (flit) u. The act or an instance of running away; an escape.
`[Middle English. from Old English ‘flyht. See pleu- in Appendix LI
`flight attendant n. A person who assists passengers in an aircraft.
`fllght bag n. A lightweight flexible piece of luggage with zippered
`outside pockets.
`flight deck n. 1. The upper deck of an aircraft carrier, used as a
`runway. 2. An elevated compartment in certain aircraft. used by the
`pilot, copllor. and flight engineer.
`flight englneer 11. The crew member responsible for the mechan-
`ical performance of an aircraft in flight.
`fllgh‘l: feather rt. Any of the comparatively large, stiff feathers of a
`bird's wing or tail that are necessary for flight.
`flight-less (flit’lls) adj.
`Incapable of flying. Used of certain birds.
`such as the pen
`'
`.
`fllght line :2. The area of an airfield. specifically the parking area and
`the maintenance hangars, where aircraft are unloaded. offloaded. and
`serviced.
`flight path it. The precise route taken or due to be taken through
`the air by an aircraft or spacecraft.
`fllght plan :1. A detailed statement of the schedule and expected
`route of an aircraft or spacecraft.
`fllgbt recorder n. A crashworthy device that records data about an
`aircraft‘s flight. such as airspeed, heading. and the procedures of the
`pilot. Also called black box.
`flight surgeon rr. An air force physician who specializes in aero—
`medicine.
`fllght-test (flit’tést') tmr. mast-ed. -test-ing. -tests To test (an
`aircraft, for example) during flight.
`flight-wor-thy (flit'wflr’thé) adj. Denoting an aircraft that is me-
`chanically or structurally fit to fly. —flightfwor’thi-ness n.
`flightoy (fll’té) adj. —i-er. -i-est 13. Given to capricious or unstable
`behavior. b. Characterized by irresponsible or silly behavior. 2. Easily
`excited; skittish. —flight'i0|y adv. —f|ight’i-ness a.
`flim'flam (flim’fldm’) Informal n. 1. Nonsense; humhug. 2. A de-
`ception; a swindle. 9 rrv. —f|amrned. -flamtming. wflams To swindle;
`cheat. [Probably of Scandinavian origin] —flirn'flam’ rner n. —-f|im'-
`flam'mer-y n.
`film-5y (flim'ze) adj. -si-er. -si-est 1. Light, thin,andinsubstantial:
`a flimsy fabric. 2. Lacking solidity or strength: a flimsy table. 3. Lacking
`plausibility; unconvincing: a flimsy excuse. it n.. pl. -sies 1. Thin paper
`usually used to make multiple copies. 2. Something written on this thin
`paper. [Origin unknown] —f|im’si-ly adv. -—flirn'si-ness n.
`flinch (flinch) inmv, flinched. flinch-lug. flinch-es 1. To start or
`wince involuntarily. as from surprise or pain. 2. To recoil. as from some-
`thing unpleasant or difficult; shrink. 6 n. An act or instance of starting.
`wiucing, or recoiling. [Obsolete French flenrhir, of Germanic origin]
`—flinr:h’er n. —flinch'ing-ly adv.
`
`fley | flirt
`
`flight deck
`USS Abraham Lincoln
`
`flipper
`top: sea lion
`bottom: swimming flippers
`
`summits
`" (mildew). Erin
`dicfiéhi'rrtdnitsris-sa'e)
`
`

`

`linguiga ] Iionhearted
`lin-net (unlit) n. 1. A small Old World finch (Cardueiis mnnnbina)
`having brownish plumage. 2. A similar bird (Carpadacus maticanus) of
`Mexico and the western United States. Also called house finch. [Obsolete
`French linens, from Old French, from lin. flax (from its feeding on flax
`seed). from Latin Iinum. See lino- in Appendix i.]
`Linn-he (lin'é), Loch An inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the western
`coast of Scotland. It is part of the Caledonian Canal waterway.
`lin-o-Ie-ic acid (lin’a—lé’lk)
`n. An unsaturated fatty acid.
`CHI-{MCOOI-i, considered essential to the human diet. that is an impor4
`tant component of drying oils. such aslinseed oil. [Greek linen, flax; see
`lino- in Appendix I + ouuc worn]
`a. An unsaturated fatty acid,
`limo-lend: acid (lin'aelénrik)
`Cl7H29COOH, considered essential to the human diet, that is an impor-
`tant component of natural drying oils