Definitions for: Flax


[n] plant of the genus Linum that is cultivated for its seeds and for the fibers of its stem
[n] fiber of the flax plant that is made into thread and woven into linen fabric



Webster (1913) Definition: Flax, n. [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. ? to weave, plait.
See Ply.]
1. (Bot.) 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.

See Also: genus Linum, herb, herbaceous plant, linen, Linum, plant fiber, plant fibre

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