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n. 1. a. A flow or flowing of a liquid. b. The flowing in of the tide. c. A continuing movement, especially in large numbers of things: a flux of sensation. 2. Constant or frequent change; fluctuation: "The constant flux of people and groups ensures that human gene pools will always be mixed" (Steve Olson). 3. Medicine The discharge of large quantities of fluid material from the body, especially the discharge of watery feces from the intestines. 4. Physics a. The rate of flow of fluid, particles, or energy through a given surface. b. See flux density. c. The lines of force of an electric or magnetic field. 5. Chemistry & Metallurgy A substance that aids, induces, or otherwise actively participates in fusing or flowing, as: a. 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. b. A mineral added to the metals in a furnace to promote fusing or to prevent the formation of oxides. c. An additive that improves the flow of plastics during fabrication. d. A readily fusible glass or enamel used as a base in ceramic work. v. fluxed, flux·ing, flux·es v.tr. 1. To melt; fuse. 2. To apply a flux to. v.intr. 1. To become fluid. 2. To flow; stream. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin flūxus, from past participle of fluere, to flow; see bhleu- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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