Caudal vs. Fluke: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
Caudal pertains to the tail or tail-like structure; Fluke refers to a whale's tail or an unexpected piece of luck.
Key Differences
Caudal and Fluke are both terms that find relevance in the realm of biology, specifically when talking about animals. Caudal is a term that can be broadly used to describe anything related to the tail or a tail-like part of an organism. On the other hand, Fluke, in one of its meanings, specifically denotes the tail fin of cetaceans, like whales and dolphins.
Interestingly, while Caudal is an adjective, Fluke can be both a noun and a verb. When you describe something as being Caudal, you're referencing its tail-like nature or position. Fluke, aside from being a term related to marine biology, also has another meaning. It can describe an unexpected stroke of luck or a chance happening.
When examining creatures, the Caudal fin is the fin located at the end of a fish's body, aiding in propulsion. The term Caudal is derived from Latin and is employed across various species, from fish to reptiles. In contrast, a Fluke, when referencing marine animals, particularly refers to the two lobes of the tail of a whale or a dolphin.
Another notable difference is the versatility of the word Fluke. Beyond marine life, Fluke can be used in various contexts, including a surprising sports victory or even as a name of a tool. Caudal, however, remains predominantly in the domain of biological and anatomical references.
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Related to the tail of an organism
Tail fin of cetaceans or stroke of luck
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Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun, Verb
Field of Usage
Biology, Anatomy
Marine Biology, General English
Example of Organism
Fish, Reptiles
Whales, Dolphins
Other Meanings
None
Unexpected event, tool type
Caudal and Fluke Definitions
Caudal
At the rear or tail end.
The Caudal vertebrae support the tail's movement.
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Fluke
Tail fin of a whale or dolphin.
The whale lifted its Fluke high before diving deep.
Caudal
Of or at the back part of the body.
Birds have Caudal feathers that assist in flight.
Fluke
A surprising stroke of luck.
Winning that bet was a total Fluke.
Caudal
Related to a tail-like structure.
The Caudal end of the worm is sensitive to touch.
Fluke
An unlikely chance occurrence.
It was a Fluke that they met at the same cafe.
Caudal
Opposite to the head in position.
Injuries to the Caudal area can affect an animal's balance.
Fluke
A flatworm's broad, flat body part.
The Fluke of the parasite latches onto the host.
Caudal
Of, at, or near the tail or hind parts; posterior
The caudal fin of a fish.
Fluke
Any of numerous parasitic flatworms, including the trematodes, some of which infect humans, and the monogeneans, which are chiefly ectoparasites of fish.
Caudal
Situated beneath or on the underside; inferior.
Fluke
Any of various flatfishes chiefly of the genus Paralichthys, especially the summer flounder.
Caudal
Similar to a tail in form or function.
Fluke
(Nautical) The triangular blade at the end of an arm of an anchor, designed to catch in the ground.
Caudal
(zoology) Pertaining to the tail or posterior or hind part of a body.
Fluke
A barb or barbed head, as on an arrow or a harpoon.
Caudal
Toward the tail end (hind end) of the body; in bipeds such as humans, this direction corresponds to inferior.
Fluke
Either of the two horizontally flattened divisions of the tail of a whale.
Caudal
A caudal vertebra.
Fluke
A chance occurrence
That spring snowstorm was a total fluke.
Caudal
Of the nature of, or pertaining to, a tail; having a tail-like appendage.
The male widow-bird, remarkable for his caudal plumes.
Fluke
(Games) An accidentally good or successful stroke in billiards or pool.
Caudal
Constituting or relating to a tail;
Caudal appendage
Fluke
A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.
The first goal was just a fluke.
Caudal
Resembling a tail
Fluke
A flounder.
Caudal
(of quadrupeds) situated in or directed toward the part of the body from which the tail arises;
Caudal fins
The caudal end of the body
Fluke
A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the Trematoda class, related to the tapeworm.
The man had become infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.
Caudal
Toward the posterior end of the body
Fluke
Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.
The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it.
Caudal
Pertaining to the tail.
The Caudal region of the fish is streamlined for efficient swimming.
Fluke
(nautical) Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.
The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged.
Fluke
A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a bill), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.
The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point.
Fluke
In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.
After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.
Fluke
Waste cotton.
Fluke
To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
Fluke
(snooker) To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.
Fluke
The European flounder. See Flounder.
Fluke
Any American flounder of the genus Paralichthys, especially Paralicthys dentatus, found in the Atlantic Ocean and in adjacent bays.
Fluke
A parasitic trematode worm of several species, having a flat, lanceolate body and two suckers. Two species (Fasciola hepatica and Distoma lanceolatum) are found in the livers of sheep, and produce the disease called rot.
Fluke
The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See Anchor.
Fluke
One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor.
Fluke
An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting.
Fluke
An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke.
Fluke
To get or score by a fluke; as, to fluke a play in billiards.
Fluke
A stroke of luck
Fluke
A barb on a harpoon or arrow
Fluke
Flat blade-like projection on the arm of an anchor
Fluke
Either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean
Fluke
Parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host
Fluke
One of the pointed parts of an anchor.
The ship's anchor's Fluke dug into the sea bed.
FAQs
Does Fluke always refer to a whale's tail?
No, Fluke can also mean an unexpected piece of luck or a type of flatworm.
Are all Flukes related to water or marine life?
No, while a Fluke can refer to a whale's tail, it also has meanings unrelated to marine life.
Can Fluke be used as a verb?
Yes, in contexts like "fluking a win", it means achieving success unexpectedly.
Is a surprising victory in sports a Fluke?
It can be colloquially referred to as a Fluke, meaning an unexpected outcome.
What organisms possess a Caudal structure?
Many organisms, from fish to mammals, can have a Caudal structure or tail.
Is a Fluke always a positive event?
Not always. A Fluke can be any unexpected event, positive or negative.
Is Caudal only used for fish?
No, Caudal can be used for any organism with a tail or tail-like structure.
Can Caudal refer to an object's rear?
Typically, Caudal is used anatomically, but metaphorically it might denote a rear position.
What's a Fluke in the context of tools?
A Fluke can refer to one of the pointed parts of an anchor.
Is Caudal used in human anatomy?
While humans don't have tails, Caudal can refer to the tailbone or coccyx region.
What's a Caudal fin's function?
The Caudal fin helps in propulsion and steering in aquatic animals.
Can the term Fluke be used in gambling?
Yes, a surprising win can be colloquially called a Fluke.
What's the opposite of Caudal in anatomy?
The opposite is typically "rostral" or "cranial", referring to the head end.
Is the Caudal vertebrae related to the tail?
Yes, the Caudal vertebrae are the bones that make up the tail in many vertebrates.
How does the Caudal fin differ from other fins?
The Caudal fin is at the rear end of fish, distinguishing it from dorsal or pectoral fins.
Is the Caudal region always at the end of an organism?
Generally, yes. The Caudal region refers to the rear or tail end.
Does Caudal have roots in Latin?
Yes, Caudal derives from the Latin word "cauda", meaning tail.
Does Fluke have meanings outside biology?
Yes, besides marine life and flatworms, Fluke can denote luck or an anchor part.
Are Flukes in flatworms related to tails?
No, in flatworms, a Fluke refers to the broad, flat part of the organism.
Can a Fluke be a planned event?
Typically, a Fluke refers to something unexpected and not planned.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
