flipper Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a shoe for swimming; the paddle-like front is an aid in swimming (especially underwater)
    fin.
  2. noun the flat broad limb of aquatic animals specialized for swimming

WordNet

Flip"per noun
Etymology
Cf. Flip, Flippant.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A broad flat limb used for swimming, as those of seals, sea turtles, whales, etc.
  2. (Naut.) The hand. Slang

Webster 1913