flux

¹flux

noun \ˈfləks\

Definition of FLUX

1

: a flowing of fluid from the body: as

a : diarrhea

b : dysentery

2

: a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream)

3

: a continued flow : flood

4

a : influx

b : change, fluctuation <in a state of flux>

5

: a substance used to promote fusion (as of metals or minerals); especially : one (as rosin) applied to surfaces to be joined by soldering, brazing, or welding to clean and free them from oxide and promote their union

6

: the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface

Examples of FLUX

1. <the English language is always in a state of flux>
2. <January typically brings a great flux of returns to department stores.>

Origin of FLUX

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin fluxus, from Latin, flow, from fluere to flow — more at fluid

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FLUX

Synonyms

change, fluctuation, inconstancy, oscillation

Antonyms

outflow, outpouring

Related Words

metamorphosis, mutation, transformation, transmogrification, transmutation; vacillation, wavering

Near Antonyms

emigration, exodus, flight

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

Rhymes with FLUX

crux, lux, tux

²flux

verb

Definition of FLUX

transitive verb

1

: to cause to become fluid

2

: to treat with a flux

intransitive verb

: to become fluid : fuse

Examples of FLUX

1. <a solid will flux more quickly under pressure>

First Known Use of FLUX

15th century

Related to FLUX

Synonyms

deliquesce, liquefy, fuse, melt, run, thaw

Antonyms

harden, set, solidify

Related Words

found, gutter, smelt, try; dissolve, render; soften, thin

Near Antonyms

clot, coagulate, congeal, gel, jell, jelly, thicken

flux

noun \ˈfləks\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FLUX

1

a : a flowing or discharge of fluid from the body especially when excessive or abnormal: as (1) : diarrhea (2) : dysentery b : the matter discharged in a flux

2

: the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface

flux

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In metallurgy, any substance introduced in the smelting of ores to promote fluidity and to remove objectionable impurities in the form of slag. Limestone is commonly used for this purpose in smelting iron ores. Other materials used as fluxes are silica, dolomite, lime, borax, and fluorite. In soldering, the flux removes oxide films, promotes wetting, and prevents reoxidation of the surfaces during heating. Rosin is widely used as a noncorrosive flux when electronic equipment is soldered; in other applications, a water solution of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride may be used.