/fluks/ , n.
1. a flowing or flow.
2. the flowing in of the tide.
3. continuous change, passage, or movement: His political views are in a state of flux.
4. Physics.
a. the rate of flow of fluid, particles, or energy.
b. a quantity expressing the strength of a field of force in a given area.
5. Chem. , Metall.
a. a substance used to refine metals by combining with impurities to form a molten mixture that can be readily removed.
b. a substance used to remove oxides from and prevent further oxidation of fused metal, as in soldering or hot-dip coating.
c. (in the refining of scrap or other metal) a salt or mixture of salts that combines with nonmetallic impurities, causing them to float or coagulate.
6. fusion.
v.t.
7. to melt; make fluid.
8. to fuse by the use of flux.
9. Obs. to purge.
v.i.
10. to flow.
[ 1350-1400; ME fluxus a flowing, equiv. to fluc-, var. s. of fluere to flow + -tus suffix of v. action, with ct > x ]
Syn. 1. course, current, flood, stream.