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

Fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, along with flax seeds, chia seeds, and various nuts can also provide your daily dose of omega-3. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 June 2024

Made of flax fibers, linen is a natural, ancient textile used for centuries, and is known for its durability. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2024

In early summer, look to the alpine meadows of Flagstaff and the White Mountains adorned with fleabane, blue flax, paintbrush, columbine and more. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 24 Feb. 2024

The French flax linen is very high quality, showing no signs of color fading, abrasion, pilling, or fabric shrinkage after washing. —Deanne Revel, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 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