Main Entry: flax

Pronunciation: \ˈflaks\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fleax; akin to Old High German flahs flax, Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

Date: before 12th century

1 : any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs; especially : a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed
2 : the fiber of the flax plant especially when prepared for spinning
3 : any of several plants resembling flax

— flaxy \ˈflak-sē\ adjective