What does "fluting" mean?

Fluting: Decoration by means of flutes or channels; a flute, or flutes collectively; as, the fluting of a column or pilaster; the fluting of a lady's ruffle. Fluting iron, a laundry iron for fluting ruffles; -- called also Italian iron, or gaufering iron. Knight. -- Fluting lathe, a machine for forming spiral flutes, as on balusters, table legs, etc.