Pronunciation: [flˈuːz] (IPA) 
Flews is a noun that refers to the lips or loose, hanging parts of skin below the lower jaw of certain animals, such as hounds or bloodhounds. The word is pronounced as /fluːz/ with the "f" sound followed by the long "u" vowel sound and a "z" sound at the end. In IPA, the transcription for flews is /fluːz/. The spelling of the word is unique and requires careful pronunciation to avoid any confusion with other similar-sounding words.
Flews refer to the fleshy, pendulous portions of flesh on either side of an animal's mouth, specifically the upper lip. More commonly found in certain dog breeds, such as Bloodhounds or Basset Hounds, flews are known for being lengthy and droopy. This anatomical feature is often more prominent and exaggerated in these breeds, giving their faces a distinct appearance.
Typically, flews are thick, loose, and hang down, covering a portion of the dog's lower jaw. In some cases, they can even droop down further, occasionally covering the animal's entire mouth. This characteristic provides these breeds with some practical benefits. The droopy flews help to trap scents as the dog sniffs by sweeping the odor particles up towards their nose, heightening their sense of smell.
However, flews' primary role is not limited to their functional aspect; they are also regarded as an aesthetic feature. They add charm and character to the animal's face, often contributing to their unique expressions. Additionally, the size and fullness of flews can vary among different breeds and even individual dogs within the same breed.
In summary, flews are the fleshy, pendant-like upper lips that hang down over the lower jaw, usually observed in certain dog breeds. They possess functional significance by assisting in scent detection, while also contributing to the visual appearance and individuality of the dog's face.
The word "flews" has its origins in the Old English language. It can be traced back to the Middle English word "flewe", which meant "the lips" or "the lip of a hound". This Middle English word itself derived from the Old English word "flēoge" or "flēōge", also meaning "the lip". The term "flews" is particularly used in reference to dogs, describing the pendulous, loose, or drooping skin on the upper lip, particularly in certain breeds like bloodhounds and basset hounds.
