Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - flax

 noun  Usage: often attributive  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fleax; akin to Old High German flahs ~, Latin plectere to braid — more at ply  Date: before 12th century  1. any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the ~ family) of herbs; especially a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed  2. the fiber of the ~ plant especially when prepared for spinning  3. any of several plants resembling ~  • ~y adjective