flax

[ flaks ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Linum, especially L. usitatissimum, a slender, erect, annual plant having narrow, lance-shaped leaves and blue flowers, cultivated for its fiber and seeds.
2. the fiber of this plant, manufactured into linen yarn for thread or woven fabrics.
3. any of various plants resembling flax.

flax

/ flæks /

noun

1. any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus Linum , esp L. usitatissimum , which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family Linaceae
2. the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics
3. any of various similar plants
4. Also calledharakeke a swamp plant producing a fibre that is used by Māoris for decorative work, baskets, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of flax¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English fleax; cognate with Dutch, Low German vlas, German Flachs

Word History and Origins

Origin of flax¹

Old English fleax ; related to Old Frisian flax , Old High German flahs flax, Greek plekein to plait

Related Words

• cord
• cotton
• filament
• silk
• strand
• string
• wire
• wool
• yarn