Vertical grooves or channels carved into the shaft of a column, pilaster, or other architectural element. These parallel concave channels create patterns of light and shadow that enhance the column's appearance and emphasize its verticality.
From 'flute' meaning a groove or channel, derived from Old French 'flaute.' The architectural term emerged from the resemblance of these vertical grooves to the finger holes or channels of a flute, both creating parallel linear patterns.
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