Flank
WordNet
noun
(1) The side between ribs and hipbone
(2) A cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg
(3) The side of military or naval formation
"They attacked the enemy's right flank"
(4) A subfigure consisting of a side of something
verb
(5) Be located at the sides of something or somebody
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From Late flanc, from flanc, of origin, probably *hlanca from from . Akin to hlanca "loin", lanke "hip joint" (German lenken "to bend, turn, lead"), hlanc "loose, slender, flaccid, lank". More at lank
Adjective
- Maximum (of speed). Historically faster than full speed (the most a vessel can sustain without excessive engine wear or risk of damage), now frequently used interchangeably. Typically used in an emergency or during an attack (All ahead flank!).
Noun
- The flesh between the last rib and the hip; the side.
- A cut of meat from the flank of an animal.
- The extreme left or right edge of a military formation, army etc.
- The side of something, in general senses.
- The outermost strip of a road.
Verb
- To attack the flank(s) of something.
- To defend the flank(s) of something.
- To place to the side(s) of something.
- To be placed to the side(s) of something (usually in terms of two objects, one on each side.)