flank in English
- flank⇄flank, noun, verb.
- flank⇄noun 1. the side of an animal or person between the ribs and the hip.
2. the strip of flesh and muscle forming this part.
3. a piece of beef cut from this part.
4. the outer part of the thigh.
5. the side of a mountain, buildi - flank⇄v.i. 1. to occupy a position on a flank or side.
2. to present the flank or side. - flank⇄v.t. 1. to be at the side of.
Ex. A garage flanked the house. High buildings flanked the dark, narrow alley.
2. to get around the far right or left side of; march past the flank of.
Ex. Did they flank the snow and go around to the righ
flank in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
flank in Marathi मराठी
flank in Sindhi سنڌي
Flank
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/flæŋk/
Definitions
- Flank (Noun): The side of an animal or a human body between the ribs and the hip, or the side of an object or area, such as a building or structure.
- Flank (Verb): To attack or move around the side of something or someone; to be situated on the side of something.
- Flank (Military): A military term referring to the side of a force or position, typically where an attack can be directed to exploit weaknesses.
Usage Examples
- "The soldier moved quickly to flank the enemy's position."
- "The horse’s flank was covered in a thick layer of mud after the race."
- "The city’s flank was protected by a series of defensive walls."
Etymology
The word "flank" comes from the Middle English word "flanke," which is derived from the Old French word "flanc," meaning the side of a body or a structure. The word traces its roots to the Late Latin word "flancus," meaning side, which is related to the notion of a physical boundary or side of an object. Over time, "flank" evolved in military usage to refer to the side of an army or position.
Synonyms
- Side
- Edge
- Border
- Aspect
- Boundary
Antonyms
- Center
- Middle
- Core
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Flanco | /ˈflanko/ |
| French | Flanc | /flɑ̃/ |
| German | Flanke | /ˈflɑŋkə/ |
| Italian | Fianchi | /ˈfjɑŋki/ |
| Portuguese | Flanco | /ˈflãku/ |
| Russian | Фланг | /flæŋk/ |
| Arabic | جناح | /janāḥ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 侧翼 | /cè yì/ |
| Japanese | 側面 | /sokumen/ |
| Hindi | पक्ष | /pakṣ/ |
| Greek | Πλαϊνός | /plainós/ |
| Turkish | Kanat | /kaˈnat/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "flank" generally remains consistent across English-speaking countries, although in some regional dialects, it may vary slightly. In British English, the "a" may sound more like the "a" in "father," while in American English, it can sound more like the "a" in "cat." In both cases, the "k" is pronounced distinctly, making it easy to recognize the word in speech.
Historical Usage
The term "flank" has been used since the 13th century, originally to refer to the side of a body, particularly in military and tactical contexts. In medieval and Renaissance military battles, to "flank" an enemy meant to approach or attack them from the side, a strategy designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the enemy's formation. Over time, the term expanded to refer to any side or edge of an object or area, from animal bodies to architectural structures.
Cultural Nuances
In military history, the concept of "flanking" has played a significant role in strategies and tactics. The idea of attacking an opponent from the side is considered one of the most effective maneuvers in warfare, as it allows for surprise and the exploitation of weaknesses. In modern contexts, "flank" is also used metaphorically to describe a strategic or indirect approach to challenges in business, politics, and sports, where one side is targeted rather than facing head-on competition.
More Information
The word "flank" is used extensively in both literal and figurative contexts. In anatomy, it refers to the side of the human body, specifically between the ribs and the hips. In animals, the flank can be a sensitive area, often referenced in the context of movement or injury. Flank can also be a term in gastronomy, such as "flank steak," which refers to a cut of beef from the side of the animal. Additionally, in various sports like football or soccer, "flanking" refers to players positioning themselves along the side of the field to create opportunities for attack. The versatility of the term "flank" makes it an important concept in a variety of disciplines, from warfare and anatomy to language and cuisine.