First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1flank
noun \ˈflaŋk\
: the area on the side of an animal (such as a horse) between the ribs and the hip
: the right or left side of a military formation
: the side of something
Full Definition of FLANK
1
a : the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; broadly : the side of a quadruped b : a cut of meat from this part of an animal — see beef illustration
2
a : side b : the right or left of a formation
3
: the area along either side of a heraldic shield
See flank defined for English-language learners
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Origin of FLANK
Middle English, from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hlanca loin, flank — more at lank
Other Anatomy Terms
2flank
verb
: to be located on both sides of (something or someone)
Full Definition of FLANK
transitive verb
1
a : to be situated at the side of; especially : to be situated on both sides of <a road flanked with linden trees> b : to place something on each side of
2
: to protect a flank of
3
: to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)
See flank defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FLANK
1594
Related to FLANK
- Synonyms
- abut, border (on), butt (on or against), adjoin, fringe, join, march (with), neighbor, skirt, touch, verge (on)
FLANK Defined for Kids
1flank
noun \ˈflaŋk\
Definition of FLANK for Kids
1
: the area on the side of an animal between the ribs and the hip
2
: 1side 3 <the mountain's flank>
3
: the right or left side of a formation (as of soldiers)
2flank
verb
flankedflank·ing
Definition of FLANK for Kids
1
: to be located at the side of <With two rats flanking him, the Father Abbot stepped forward … — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
2
: to attack or threaten the side of <We've flanked the enemy troops.>
Medical Dictionary
flank
noun \ˈflaŋk\
Medical Definition of FLANK
: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; broadly : the side of a quadruped
Illustration of FLANK
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