flat
UK: flæt | US: flæt
adj. 1. having a level surface; not curved or uneven
adj. 2. lacking in flavor, excitement, or variety
n. 1. a set of rooms for living in, typically on one floor of a building (British English)
n. 2. a musical note lowered by a semitone
The word "flat" traces back to Old Norse flatr, meaning "level" or "shallow." It entered Middle English via Old Norse influence during the Viking Age. The core idea of "levelness" expanded metaphorically to describe dullness (lack of "elevation") and, in music, a lowered pitch (a "lowered" note). The British usage for an apartment derives from the notion of a dwelling on a single level.
The land here is very flat, perfect for cycling.
The soda tasted flat after being left open overnight.
She rented a small flat in London.
The composer added a flat to the melody for a bluesy effect.
His joke fell flat, and no one laughed.