Flank Meaning and Definition
Flank
Pronunciation
/flæŋk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The side or rim of a body part, especially the back or buttocks.
Examples
- The injury to his left flank was severe.
- She felt a sharp pain in her flank while doing yoga.
Synonyms
- Rim
- Side
- Flanking
Antonyms
- Center
- Core
- Front
Etymology
The word “flank” originated from the Old English word “flænc” meaning “side” or “rim”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*flankiz”, also meaning “side” or “rim”.
Usage Notes
The word “flank” is often used in medical contexts to refer to the side or rim of a body part, especially in relation to injuries or surgical procedures.
Cultural References
The term “flank” has been used in various cultural references, including in literature, film, and music. For example, in the movie “The Matrix”, the character Morpheus refers to the “flank” of a nightclub as a safe location.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Flanking is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “to flank an opponent” meaning to attack from the side or to surround.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases related to “flank” include “side”, “rim”, “edge”, and “perimeter”.
Collocations
Common collocations with “flank” include “flank movement”, “flank attack”, and “flank injury”.
Frequency of Use
The word “flank” is less common in everyday language, but it is frequently used in medical and military contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “flank” include “flence”, “flanc”, and “flaunk”.