/flaks/ , n.
1. any plant of the genus Linum, esp. L. usitatissimum, a slender, erect, annual plant having narrow, lance-shaped leaves and blue flowers, cultivated for its fiber and seeds.
2. the fiber of this plant, manufactured into linen yarn for thread or woven fabrics.
3. any of various plants resembling flax.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE fleax; c. D, LG vlas, G Flachs ]