flux
(flŭks)
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin flūxus, from past participle of fluere, to flow.]
noun
- A flow or flowing.
- A continued flow; a flood. See synonyms at flow
- The flowing in of the tide.
- Medicine The discharge of large quantities of fluid material from the body, especially the discharge of watery feces from the intestines.
- Physics
- The rate of flow of fluid, particles, or energy through a given surface.
- See flux density
- The lines of force of an electric or magnetic field.
- Constant or frequent change; fluctuation: “The newness and flux of the computer industry has meant many opportunities for women and minorities” (Connie Winkler)
- Chemistry & Metallurgy A substance that aids, induces, or otherwise actively participates in fusing or flowing, as:
- A substance applied to a surface to be joined by welding, soldering, or brazing to facilitate the flowing of solder and prevent formation of oxides.
- A mineral added to the metals in a furnace to promote fusing or to prevent the formation of oxides.
- An additive that improves the flow of plastics during fabrication.
- A readily fusible glass or enamel used as a base in ceramic work.
verb: fluxed, flux·ing, flux·es.
transitive verb
- To melt; fuse.
- To apply a flux to.
intransitive verb
- To become fluid.
- To flow; stream.
flux density
noun
Physics- Flux per unit area. Also called flux