flux

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈflʌks/ 🇺🇸 /ˈflʌks/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A state of continuous change or movement; a condition of instability or uncertainty.; The rate of flow of a fluid, radiant energy, or particles across a given area.; A substance used to promote the fusion of metals or to prevent oxidation during soldering or welding.; A substance added to a material to lower its melting point.; An abnormal discharge of bodily fluids, especially from the bowels; diarrhea.
  2. verb
    To flow or move continuously; to be in a state of change.; To apply flux to a surface in preparation for soldering or welding.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: fluxes 3rd sing.: fluxes Past: fluxed Past part.: fluxed Pres part.: fluxing

Collocations

in a state of fluxin fluxconstant fluxmagnetic fluxheat fluxin constant flux

Derivatives

fluctuatefluctuationinfluxeffluxrefluxfluxional

Synonyms

changeflowinstabilityvariabilitytransitionfluidity

Antonyms

stabilitystasispermanencefixity

Commonly confused

fluctuate
EN: 'Fluctuate' is the more common verb meaning to vary irregularly; 'flux' as a verb is rare and technical.
influx
EN: 'Influx' specifically means a flowing in or arrival (e.g., an influx of immigrants); 'flux' refers to the general state of change or flow.

Spelling tips

EN: The plural is 'fluxes' (not 'fluxs'). Note that 'fluctuate' is the standard verb form in everyday English; using 'flux' as a verb is uncommon outside technical contexts.

💬 Examples

  1. The political situation is in a state of flux.

  2. The magnetic flux through the coil determines the induced voltage.

  3. Apply flux to the joint before soldering to ensure a clean connection.

  4. Limestone is used as a flux in the smelting of iron ore.

  5. The soldiers suffered from a flux that weakened the entire regiment.

  6. The data fluxed through the system at an unprecedented rate.

  7. He fluxed the copper pipe before joining it to the fitting.