flux

flux [fluks]

n.

[ME < OFr < L fluxus, a flowing, flow < pp. of fluere, to flow: see FLUCTUATE]

1. a flowing or flow

2. the rate of flow of water, as the tide or current, through a defined area

3. a continuous movement or continual change [fashion is always in a state of flux]

4. any excessive or unnatural discharge of fluid body matter, esp. from the bowels

5.

a) a substance, as borax or rosin, used to help metals fuse together by preventing oxidation, as in soldering

b) in metallurgy, a substance added to metals while they are in a furnace, to remove impurities, promote fusing, etc., as a non-metallic material added to a furnace charge that has the ability to fuse with undesired matter and form a liquid slag that can run off more easily

6. Physics the rate of flow of energy, fluids, etc. across a surface

vt.

1. to make (a solid) melt

2. to fuse (metals) by melting

vi.

Archaic to flow or stream out