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

To easily get more flax seeds in your diet, grind them and add them to cereals, yogurt, or smoothies. 6. —Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

This sulfate-free Thickening Shampoo strengthens your hair from your scalp to the ends with deep-penetrating ingredients such as flax protein (to prevent hair breakage), willow bark for gentle exfoliation, and loquat leaf, a traditional Asian plant that boosts thickness. —Sarah Madaus, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024

How to Make Your Diet More Anti-Inflammatory To make your diet more anti-inflammatory, focus on foods rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, chia seeds, flax seed meal, and nuts. —Sarah Garone, Health, 10 Oct. 2024

The European flax linen is woven in Portugal and has undergone a garment wash for softness, giving the fabric a relaxed drape. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Oct. 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