First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
flax
noun, often attributive \ˈflaks\
: a plant that has blue flowers and that is grown for its fiber and its seed
: the fiber of the flax plant
Full Definition of FLAX
1
: any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs; especially : a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed
2
: the fiber of the flax plant especially when prepared for spinning
3
: any of several plants resembling flax
— flaxy \ˈflak-sē\ adjective
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Origin of FLAX
Middle English, from Old English fleax; akin to Old High German flahs flax, Latin plectere to braid — more at ply
FLAXY Defined for Kids
flax
noun \ˈflaks\
Definition of FLAX for Kids
: a plant with blue flowers that is grown for its fiber from which rope and linen is made and for its seed from which oil and livestock feed are obtained
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