English

Etymology

West Germanic, representing , from . Cognate with Old Frisian flax, Old Saxon } (Dutch ), Old High German (German ); the Northern Germanic (and most likely the Gothic too) stem is different.

Noun

1. A plant of the genus Linum, esp. L. usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. Also known as linseed, especially when referring to the seeds.
2. The fibers of Linum usitatissimum, grown to make linen and related textiles.

Usage notes

The plural flaxes is used to indicate multiple species or varieties of flax; otherwise, flax is uncountable.