The Collaborative International Dictionary
Flue \Flue\ (fl[=u]), n. [Cf. OF. flue a flowing, fr. fluer to flow, fr. L. fluere (cf. Fluent); a perh. a corruption of E. flute.]
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An inclosed passage way for establishing and directing a current of air, gases, etc.; an air passage; esp.:
A compartment or division of a chimney for conveying flame and smoke to the outer air.
A passage way for conducting a current of fresh, foul, or heated air from one place to another.
(Steam Boiler) A pipe or passage for conveying flame and hot gases through surrounding water in a boiler; -- distinguished from a tube which holds water and is surrounded by fire. Small flues are called fire tubes or simply tubes.
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In an organ flue pipe, the opening between the lower lip and the languet.
Flue boiler. See under Boiler.
Flue bridge, the separating low wall between the flues and the laboratory of a reverberatory furnace.
Flue plate (Steam Boiler), a plate to which the ends of the flues are fastened; -- called also flue sheet, tube sheet, and tube plate.
Flue surface (Steam Boiler), the aggregate surface of flues exposed to flame or the hot gases.