ENGLISH
REFERENCE

flank

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈfɫæŋk// UK //flˈæŋk// flank
  1. 1 side of the body (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip.

    the lateral part of the body between the last rib and the hip.

    Example

    The horse had a small white patch on its left flank.

    Example

    The patient complained of a sharp, localized pain in her right flank, suggesting a potential issue with the kidney.
  2. 2 military side (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Sport

    the right or left side of a group of soldiers or a sports team.

    the extreme left or right edge of a military formation, army, or sports field.

    Example

    The fast runner moved down the left flank to cross the ball into the box.

    Example

    The general ordered a surprise attack on the enemy's weakened eastern flank to break their defensive line.
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  1. 3 cut of meat (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    a cut of beef from the side of the cow, often used for grilling.

    a specific cut of meat from the abdominal muscles of an animal, typically lean and fibrous.

    Example

    We marinated the flank steak for three hours before putting it on the grill.

    Example

    Because flank is a relatively tough cut of meat, it should be sliced thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
    • flank steak
  2. 4 to be on the sides of (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be positioned on one or both sides of something or someone.

    to be situated at the side of; in the passive, to be bordered on either side.

    Example

    Two tall stone towers flank the entrance to the castle.

    Example

    The president walked toward the podium, flanked by security guards and senior advisors.
  3. 5 to move around the side (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    to move around the side of an enemy to attack them from a weaker spot.

    to maneuver around the side of an opposing force so as to outflank or bypass their frontal defenses.

    Example

    The soldiers tried to flank the enemy instead of attacking from the front.

    Example

    By successfully flanking the opposing battalion, the troops were able to seize the hilltop without a direct confrontation.
  4. 6 maximum speed (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Technical

    the fastest speed a ship can go, usually used in an emergency.

    referring to the maximum possible speed of a vessel, exceeding 'full speed'.

    Example

    The captain ordered flank speed to reach the sinking boat as fast as possible.

    Example

    The destroyer maintained flank speed for several hours during the pursuit, testing the limits of its propulsion system endurance.

    Usage

    Usually used in the phrase 'flank speed'.
Origin

From Late Middle English flanc, from Late Old English flanc (“flank”), from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin, probably Frankish hlanca, from Proto-Germanic hlankō (“bend, curve, hip, flank”), from Proto-Germanic hlankaz (“flexible, sleek, bendsome”), from Proto-Indo-European kleng- (“to bend”). Akin to Old High German hlanca (“loin”), Middle Low German lanke (“hip joint”) (German lenken (“to bend, turn, lead”)), Old English hlanc (“loose, slender, flaccid, lank”). More at lank.

Word family

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