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lax

adj. · n.
US //ˈɫæks// UK //lˈæks// lax
  1. 1 not strict (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not strict or careful enough about rules or standards.

    lenient and allowing for deviation from established rules or standards; lacking in rigour.

    Example

    The security at the stadium was very lax, so people were bringing in their own drinks.

    Example

    The company's lax attitude toward safety regulations eventually led to a series of avoidable accidents and a heavy fine from the government.
  2. 2 loose (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    not firm, tight, or tense.

    lacking in firmness, tension, or tightness; physically loose.

    Example

    The doctor noticed that the patient had lax muscles in his lower back.

    Example

    The rope became lax as the weight was lowered to the ground, losing the tension it had held throughout the climb.
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  1. 3 linguistics (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    used to describe vowel sounds made with relaxed throat muscles.

    produced with relatively little muscular tension and less constriction of the vocal tract compared to tense vowels.

    Example

    The short 'i' sound in 'bit' is a lax vowel.

    Example

    Phoneticists distinguish between tense and lax vowels based on the degree of muscular effort required during articulation.
  2. 4 laxative (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical Medicine

    a short word for a medicine that helps you go to the toilet.

    an informal clipping of laxative, referring to a substance used to stimulate bowel movements.

    Example

    The patient was advised to stop taking the lax once their digestion returned to normal.

    Example

    Over-reliance on a strong lax can lead to long-term digestive issues if not monitored by a healthcare professional.
    • purgative
Origin

From the IATA airport code.

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