flank — the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip
Pronunciation (IPA): /flæŋk/
Example Sentences
- The pizza was flanked by two enormous garlic breads that looked like bodyguards.
- During the presentation, he was flanked by his nervous assistants.
- The general ordered troops to attack the enemy's vulnerable flank.
flank
NOUN[/flæŋk/]
the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip
Roman soldiers attack the enemy's flank while the front line holds steady.
Show your rank by the tank, badges shining on your flank!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word flank derives from Old French 'flanc' (12th century), meaning 'side' or 'flank of the body'. It shares a common etymology with Germanic languages, reflecting shared Indo-European roots for words denoting lateral or side positions.
Breakdown
Old French 'flanc' (side, lateral portion of the body) → Middle English 'flank'. The root likely relates to Germanic words for 'side' or 'slope', with the meaning narrowing to specifically denote the side of an animal or military formation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pizza was flanked by two enormous garlic breads that looked like bodyguards.”
“During the presentation, he was flanked by his nervous assistants.”
“The general ordered troops to attack the enemy's vulnerable flank.”
“My cat always sleeps on my flank, using me as a human pillow.”
📚Related Words
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