flaxseed

noun

flax·​seed ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd 

: the small seed of flax (especially Linum usitatissimum) used especially as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient, and as a dietary supplement

called also linseed

Examples of flaxseed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Numerous foods and nutrients have been shown to lower C-reactive protein levels, including dietary fiber from foods like beans, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as berries, olive oil, green tea, chia seeds and flaxseeds. —Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

Specifically, seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are less beneficial than omega-3s but still beneficial nonetheless—and some, like canola oil, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil, are a decent source of omega-3s as well. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 17 Dec. 2025

Consuming flaxseed may lower total and LDL cholesterol and blood lipid levels. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2025

The biggest benefit for preventing nonfatal heart attacks was when study subjects replaced saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats (the kind in fish, flaxseed, and corn oil), rather than simply eating less saturated fat. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flaxseed

• accede
• agreed
• airspeed
• alkyd
• bindweed
• chickweed
• concede
• decreed
• duckweed
• exceed
• impede
• indeed

Kids Definition

flaxseed

noun

flax·​seed ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd 

: the small seed of flax used as a source of linseed oil and in medicinal preparations

Medical Definition

flaxseed

noun

flax·​seed ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd 

: the small seed of flax (especially Linum usitatissimum) used especially as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient in treating inflammatory conditions of the respiratory, intestinal, and urinary passages, and as a dietary supplement

called also linseed