flux

UK: flʌks | US: flʌks

Definition

  1. n. continuous change or movement

  2. n. a substance used to aid metal fusion (e.g., in soldering)

  3. n. (Physics) the rate of flow of energy/matter through a surface

Structure
flu <flow>x <noun suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin fluxus (past participle of fluere, "to flow"), the word entered Middle English via Old French. The core idea of "flow" persists in modern meanings:

  • Physical flow (e.g., soldering flux helps metal "flow")
  • Abstract change (e.g., "in a state of flux")
  • Physics applications (measuring flow rates). The "-x" suffix reflects its Latin nominalization.
Examples

  1. The political situation remains in flux after the election.

  2. Apply flux to the joint before soldering the wires.

  3. Neutron flux is critical in nuclear reactor design.

  4. Her ideas were in constant flux during the creative process.

  5. The river’s sediment flux increases during spring floods.