flux

1 of 2

noun

1
: a flowing of fluid from the body: such as
a
b
2
: a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream)
3
: a continued flow : flood
a flux of words
4
a
: influx
b
: change, fluctuation
in a state of flux
the flux following the death of the emperor
5
: a substance used to promote fusion (as of metals or minerals)
especially : one (such as rosin) applied to surfaces to be joined by soldering, brazing, or welding to clean and free them from oxide and promote their union
6
: the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface

flux

2 of 2

verb

fluxed; fluxing; fluxes

transitive verb

1
: to cause to become fluid
2
: to treat with a flux

intransitive verb

: to become fluid : fuse

Examples of flux in a Sentence

Noun the English language is always in a state of flux January typically brings a great flux of returns to department stores. Verb a solid will flux more quickly under pressure
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
What Borrowers Need To Know About Student Loan Forgiveness Reversals While panic is understandable, this is a new situation that remains in flux. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 With the United States women’s national soccer team in flux, the Concacaf W Gold Cup represents a moment for players old and new to claim places of prominence. Jason Anderson, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 The trial in Trump’s federal election interference case had been set to begin March 4, the day before Super Tuesday, but that trial is in flux as the Supreme Court considers whether Trump is protected by presidential immunity, Reiss and Gregorian report. Ben Kamisar, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024 The Jayhawks’ line is in flux, with starters Puni and Mike Novitsky graduating and Armaj Reed-Adams transferring to Texas A&M. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2024 The power grid today is in flux as its analog devices go digital. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Feb. 2024 Officials are currently targeting late February or early March for Hur's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, the people said, but the timing remains in flux as negotiations continue. Robert Legare, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, the city’s voting map is in flux because of a separate federal lawsuit. Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024 Before dawn, Paolo Benanti climbed to the bell tower of his 16th-century monastery, admired the sunrise over the ruins of the Roman forum and reflected on a world in flux. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024
Verb
Those signs can flux when sleep deprived, traveling or stressed at work as well. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 Jan. 2020 Next, clean and flux a shutoff valve for the cold side and slide it over the tubing end place and solder it in place. Steve Willson, Popular Mechanics, 24 Aug. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flux.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin fluxus, from Latin, flow, from fluere to flow — more at fluid

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flux was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near flux

Cite this Entry

“Flux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flux. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flux

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: a flowing in
flux of the tide
b
: a series of changes : a state of continuous change
2
: a substance used to aid the melting or joining (as by removing impurities) of metals or minerals

flux

2 of 2 verb
1
: to become or cause to become fluid : fuse
2
: to treat with a flux

Medical Definition

flux

noun
1
a
: a flowing or discharge of fluid from the body especially when excessive or abnormal: as
(1)
(2)
b
: the matter discharged in a flux
2
: the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface

More from Merriam-Webster on flux

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!