flax

noun

ˈflaks 

often attributive

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

Examples of flax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 100 percent silk eye pillow has an adjustable pouch filled with lavender and flax seed, as well as a cooling gel eye mask. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Topping this designer's list is Benjamin Moore's Dark Linen, a flax tone that has a lightweight luxury to it. —Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

However, fish, flax, palm, or walnut oils are better for lower heat or heat-free uses in the kitchen—or as supplements instead. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

The featherlight, lightly tapered directional powder craft sports a medium-soft poplar and paulownia core, bolstered by two parallel strips of shock-absorbing, ollie-enhancing interwoven flax and aramid fibers. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fleax; akin to Old High German flahs flax, Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

flax

noun

ˈflaks 

: a slender plant with blue flowers that is grown for its fiber from which linen is made and for its seed from which oil and livestock feed are obtained

also : its fiber