Flaxseed
/ˈflæks.siːd/noun
The seed of the flax plant, used for food, oil, and fiber.
Did you know?Flax was one of humanity’s earliest cultivated plants, and its name goes back to Proto-Indo-European roots tied to fiber and weaving, which is why the same ancient word-family also gave English words for linen and linseed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*līno- / *līks-
“Ancient roots associated with flax, fiber, and linen-making”
Old English
OE
flæx
“Flax, the plant grown for fiber and seed”
Old English
OE
seċġ / sǣd
“Seed, grain, or thing sown”
Middle English
ME
flaxseed
“Seed of the flax plant”
Modern English
English
flaxseed
“The seed of the flax plant, especially when used for food or oil”