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

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

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

Eleven sets of tips including foam, silicone, and flange designs, fit just about any ear out there.

From Popular-Science

If that plastic flange is still bothering you, she advises using coconut oil on the breast or flange to decrease friction.

From Popular-Science

The oval-shaped opening on the top makes it simple to fill, while a tall flange keeps water from spilling out of the top, even when you’re walking with it filled to the brim.

From Popular-Science

MedelaThe Medela Harmony Manual Pump features a flex technology that helps the flange fit over the breast more comfortably.

From Popular-Science

A good wheel service will correct tension balance between spokes—check for any kind of stress cracking at the spoke holes on the rim or hub flanges—and keep your wheels spinning straight and strong.

From Outside Online

The top flange consisted of cast iron hollow castings butted end to end, and the struts were of cast iron.

From Project Gutenberg

A main girder consists of an upper and lower flange, boom or chord and a vertical web.

From Project Gutenberg

Through the oval-shaped flange two bolts pass for attaching the bearing to the wrought-iron framing of the tender.

From Project Gutenberg

One flange was fastened to the wall of the dark room in a convenient place to support the device.

From Project Gutenberg

The bottoms of these mugs have a flange which makes a recessed part and in this the heating element is placed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rim