flank

flank Definition

flank (flaŋk)

noun

the fleshy side of a person or animal between the ribs and the hip
a cut of beef from this part
loosely the outer side of the upper part of the human thigh
the side of anything
Mil. the right or left side of a formation or force, or of the projection of a bastion

Etymology: ME flanke < OFr flanc < Frank *hlanka, akin to OHG hlanka, a hip, flank: for IE base see lank

adjective

of or having to do with the flank

transitive verb

to be at the side of
to place at the side, or on either side, of
Mil.
1. to protect the side of (a friendly unit)
2. to attack the side of (an enemy unit)
3. to pass around the side of (an enemy unit)

intransitive verb

to be located at the side: with on or upon

flank Synonyms

loin, thigh, haunch, side, quarter, pleuron.

flank Usage Examples

Object

ditch: But instead of two flanking ditches you have a raised path.
driveway: Well-heeled buyers will pay the earth to approach their homes along a driveway flanked by manicured greens.
doorway: Mid C20 central doorway flanked by single triple sashes.

Converse of object

expose: Attacking the now exposed German left flank caused that section of the German defensive line to withdraw, allowing the 126th Infantry to advance.

Subject

pilaster: Ground floor windows flanked by pilasters with cornice over.
promenade: Flanked by a promenade the beaches are all pretty deep & sun beds are available in most places.
pillar: The central doorway on the east front is flanked by Tuscan pillars against a rusticated surround and has a pediment above.
tower: The central nave section is flanked by two slender octagonal towers.

Adjective modifier

eastern: The Arabs are about to witness nothing less than the invasion of the eastern flank of the Arab nation.
southern: The access roads on the southern flanks of Exmoor should be closed.
left: On the left flank, Gifford advanced to attack the infantry in the center of the Royalist line.
western: Both branches formed on the western flanks of the East African Rift, which is on the southern half of the Great Rift Valley.
northern: Mar Burn Beyond Burn of Mar the path climbs fairly quickly along the northern flank of Conic Hill.
defensive: On the 10th April the 11th Suffolks, having formed a defensive flank, beat off attack after attack.

Modifies a noun

steak: Carne Asada Barbecue BBQ Recipe Transform ordinary flank steak into a tender, flavourful fiesta for the mouth.

Preposition: of

Preposition: by

pilaster: Ground floor windows flanked by pilasters with cornice over.
promenade: Flanked by a promenade the beaches are all pretty deep & sun beds are available in most places.
pillar: The central doorway on the east front is flanked by Tuscan pillars against a rusticated surround and has a pediment above.
tower: The central nave section is flanked by two slender octagonal towers.

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