flange

[ flanj ]

noun

1. a projecting rim, collar, or ring on a shaft, pipe, machine housing, etc., cast or formed to give additional strength, stiffness, or supporting area, or to provide a place for the attachment of other objects.
2. a broad ridge or pair of ridges projecting from the edge of a rolled metal shape generally at right angles, in order to strengthen or stiffen it.
3. a ring or collar, usually provided with holes for bolts, and screwed or welded over the end of a tube or pipe to permit other objects to be attached to it.
4. (in plumbing) a plate or flat ring bolted to the flange at the end of a length of pipe to close the end or to connect it with the flange of another such length:

   blind flange; spectacle flange.

verb (used without object)

, flanged, flang·ing.

1. to project like, or take the form of, a flange.

flange

/ flændʒ /

noun

1. a projecting disc-shaped collar or rim on an object for locating or strengthening it or for attaching it to another object
2. a flat outer face of a rolled-steel joist, esp of an I- or H-beam
3. a tool for forming a flange

verb

1. tr to attach or provide (a component) with a flange
2. intr to take the form of a flange

Derived Forms

• ˈflanger, noun
• ˈflangeless, adjective
• flanged, adjective

Other Words From

• flangeless adjective
• flanger noun
• un·flanged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flange¹

1425–75; late Middle English flaunche side charge (on shield face) < Middle French flanche, feminine of flanc flank

Word History and Origins

Origin of flange¹

C17: probably changed from earlier flaunche curved segment at side of a heraldic field, from French flanc flank

Example Sentences

In the far distance, the twin flanges of Husky Stadium rise up over the landscape like a pair of reversed gullwing doors on a DeLorean.

From Seattle Times

Reef life thrives on hyperbolism, so to speak; the curvy surface structure of coral maximizes nutrient intake, and nudibranchs propel through water with frilly flanges.

From New York Times

Still, Kenmore created a new replacement part, doubling the thickness and adding flanges to make installation more flexible.

From Seattle Times

Next, we carefully select the perimeter trim, which can vary from contrast cording to self-welt, 1-inch flange, ruffled edges, knife pleats and more, providing various options to suit individual tastes.

From Seattle Times

Also brought ashore were what appeared to be the titanium flanges.

From BBC

Related Words

• rim