flax
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a plant with blue flowers that is grown for its seeds and for the fibers in its stem.
a slender-stemmed plant of the genus Linum, typically bearing blue flowers and grown as a crop for industrial purposes.
Simple“The fields were covered in blue flowers where the farmer was growing flax.”
In context“Historically, flax was a staple crop in the region due to the high demand for both its durable fibers and its versatile oil.”
UsageOften used as a modifier, as in 'flax field' or 'flax seeds'.
Synonymslinseed - 02 C1 Advanced
the strong fibers from the flax plant that people use to make linen cloth.
the prepared textile fibers of the Linum usitatissimum plant, used to manufacture linen and other high-tensile fabrics.
Simple“Workers spun the raw flax into fine threads to make high-quality tablecloths.”
In context“The archaeological site contained remnants of woven flax, suggesting that the inhabitants possessed advanced textile-making skills.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the material in bulk.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a different plant from New Zealand with long, strong leaves used for weaving.
a plant of the genus Phormium, native to New Zealand, characterized by long, strap-like leaves used in traditional Māori weaving.
Simple“The artist used New Zealand flax to weave a traditional basket.”
In context“Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand flax, is widely used in landscaping for its striking architectural foliage.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to New Zealand English; in other regions, 'flax' almost always refers to the linen-producing plant.
Synonymsharakeke
From Middle English flax, from Old English fleax, from Proto-Germanic flahsą, from Proto-Indo-European pleḱ- (“to plait”). Cognate with Old Frisian flax, Dutch vlas, Old High German flahs (German Flachs); the Northern Germanic (and most likely the Gothic too) stem is different.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.