FLAX

flax

(noun) plant of the genus Linum that is cultivated for its seeds and for the fibers of its stem

flax

(noun) fiber of the flax plant that is made into thread and woven into linen fabric

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

flax (countable and uncountable, plural flaxes)

A plant of the genus Linum, especially Linum usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. Also known as linseed, especially when referring to the seeds.

The fibers of Linum usitatissimum, grown to make linen and related textiles.

The flax bush, a plant of the genus Phormium, native to New Zealand, with strap-like leaves up to 3 metres long that grow in clumps.

Usage notes

The plural flaxes is used to indicate multiple species or varieties of flax; otherwise, flax is uncountable.

Anagrams

• falx

Proper noun

Flax (plural Flaxes)

A surname.

Statistics

• According to the 2010 United States Census, Flax is the 15015^th most common surname in the United States, belonging to 1967 individuals. Flax is most common among White (73.92%) and Black/African American (21.0%) individuals.

Anagrams

• falx

Source: Wiktionary

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Flax, n. Etym: [AS. fleax; akin to D. vlas, OHG. flahs, G. flachs, and prob. to flechten to braid, plait,m twist, L. plectere to weave, plicare to fold, Gr. Ply.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: A plant of the genus Linum, esp. the L. usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. The fiber of the bark is used for making thread and cloth, called linen, cambric, lawn, lace, etc. Linseed oil is expressed from the seed.

2. The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken and cleaned by hatcheling or combing. Earth flax (Min.), amianthus.

– Flax brake, a machine for removing the woody portion of flax from the fibrous.

– Flax comb, a hatchel, hackle, or heckle.

– Flax cotton, the fiber of flax, reduced by steeping in bicarbinate of soda and acidulated liquids, and prepared for bleaching and spinning like cotton. Knight.

– Flax dresser, one who breaks and swingles flax, or prepares it for the spinner.

– Flax mill, a mill or factory where flax is spun or linen manufactured.

– Flax puller, a machine for pulling flax plants in the field.

– Flax wench. (a) A woman who spins flax. [Obs.] (b) A prostitute. [Obs.] Shak.

– Mountain flax (Min.), amianthus.

– New Zealand flax (Bot.) See Flax-plant.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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