# flux

/ˈfɫəks/ (US) · /flˈʌks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flux
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. constant change

noun · CEFR B2

a state of continuous change or movement where nothing stays the same for long.

For teachers: a state of continuous change, instability, or fluctuation.

- The company's leadership has been in a state of flux for several months.
- The political landscape remained in constant flux as shifting alliances made it impossible to predict the outcome of the upcoming vote.

### 2. energy transfer

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the rate at which energy or a liquid flows through a specific area.

For teachers: the rate of flow of a physical property, such as energy or particles, through a given surface.

- The scientist measured the magnetic flux passing through the copper coil.
- Calculating the radiant flux is essential for determining how much solar energy actually reaches the surface of the planet.

### 3. metal cleaning agent

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a substance used to clean metal surfaces so they can be joined together easily by soldering.

For teachers: a chemical agent used in soldering, brazing, or welding to clean the metal surface and prevent oxidation.

- You need to apply flux to the wires before you try to solder them together.
- Without the application of a high-quality flux, the solder will fail to adhere to the oxidized copper pipes.

### 4. bodily discharge

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old word for a disease that causes a lot of liquid to leave the body, like diarrhea.

For teachers: an excessive discharge of blood or fluid from the body, historically associated with dysentery.

- The old journals described a bloody flux that affected many soldiers in the camp.
- Historical accounts of the siege mention that more men succumbed to the flux than to actual combat injuries.

### 5. to melt

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to make something become liquid using heat.

For teachers: to cause to become fluid; to fuse or melt through the application of heat.

- The intense heat of the furnace began to flux the raw ore.
- The minerals were fluxed at extremely high temperatures to separate the precious metals from the surrounding rock.

## Examples

- The company's plans are in a state of flux.
- Because the local laws are in flux, many small businesses are waiting to sign new contracts.
- The political landscape remained in a state of flux for months following the election, as various factions struggled to form a stable coalition government.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.