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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

flax

flaks

Flax (noun) means a slender plant grown for its fibers (used to make linen) and its seeds (linseed). Example: “Farmers in the region have grown flax for centuries.”

noun
1
A slender plant grown for its fibers (used to make linen) and its seeds (linseed).
"Farmers in the region have grown flax for centuries."
2
The fibers from this plant, spun into linen thread and cloth.
"The tablecloth was woven from fine flax."

How to use flax

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA crop plant whose fibers make linen and whose seeds (linseed) are used for oil and food.

Common pairings
flax seed flax fiber grow flax

Word forms

flaxes plural, Flaxes plural

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Test yourself on “flax” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Farmers in the region have grown _____ for centuries.

Etymology

From Old English fleax, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to plait."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for flax

lax
See all rhymes for flax →

Frequently asked questions

What does “flax” mean?

The word “flax” means a slender plant grown for its fibers (used to make linen) and its seeds (linseed). In plain terms, a crop plant whose fibers make linen and whose seeds (linseed) are used for oil and food.

How do you pronounce “flax”?

“Flax” is pronounced flaks (/flæks/ in IPA).

How do you use “flax” in a sentence?

Here is “flax” used in a sentence: “Farmers in the region have grown flax for centuries.”

What part of speech is “flax”?

“Flax” is a noun.

Where does the word “flax” come from?

The word “flax” comes from Old English. From Old English fleax, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to plait.".

Is “flax” a common word?

“Flax” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “flax” have?

“Flax” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a slender plant grown for its fibers (used to make linen) and its seeds (linseed).

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