Definition

1. Noun:

   • A state of continuous change or movement: "Flux" refers to a condition where something is not stable and is undergoing constant alteration.
   • (Physics) The rate of flow of energy or particles across a given surface: In physics, "flux" is a measure of the quantity of something (like a field) passing through a specific area.
   • A substance used to aid in melting metals: In metallurgy, "flux" is a material added to molten metal to remove impurities by promoting their fusion.
   • An excessive flow or discharge of liquid: In medical contexts, "flux" can refer to an abnormal discharge, such as in diarrhea.

2. Verb:

   • To become fluid or liquid; to melt: "Flux" means to change from a solid to a liquid state, often due to heating.
   • To flow or stream continuously: It describes a smooth, continuous movement or progression.
   • To mix or blend together: It can mean to cause different elements to combine or fuse.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The software industry is in a constant state of flux. (The industry is always changing.)
  • The magnetic flux through the coil determines the induced voltage. (The measure of the magnetic field passing through the coil.)
  • The welder applied a flux to the joint before soldering. (A substance was used to clean the metal surfaces.)
  • The patient suffered from a flux of the bowels. (The patient had diarrhea.)

• Verb:

  • The solder will flux and bond the wires together. (The solder will melt and join the wires.)
  • People continued to flux into the main square. (People continued to stream into the square.)
  • The artist fluxed different colors to create a unique shade. (The artist blended different colors.)

Advanced Usage

• "In a state of flux": In a condition of continuous change and uncertainty.

  • Our plans for the merger are still in a state of flux. (Our plans are not yet fixed and are changing.)

• "Flux and reflux": A continual rising and falling or ebb and flow (often used metaphorically).

  • The flux and reflux of public opinion is challenging for politicians. (The constant change in public opinion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fluxion (n, archaic): The action of flowing; a derivative in calculus (historical term).
• Flux density (n, physics): The flux per unit area.
• Fluxgate (n): A type of magnetometer that measures magnetic flux.

Synonyms

• Noun: Flow, change, transition, instability, discharge.
• Verb: Flow, melt, fuse, blend, merge.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Flux" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal uses are more technical.) - Flux together: To melt and combine. - The metals fluxed together in the intense heat of the furnace. (The metals melted and fused.)

Related Idioms

• To be in flux: To be changing continuously.
  • The regulations are in flux, so we must stay updated. (The regulations are constantly changing.)

Noun

1. in constant change
   • his opinions are in flux
   • the newness and flux of the computer industry
2. (physics) the number of changes in energy flow across a given surface per unit area
3. the lines of force surrounding a permanent magnet or a moving charged particle
4. a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action
   • the flux following the death of the emperor
5. excessive discharge of liquid from a cavity or organ (as in watery diarrhea)
6. a substance added to molten metals to bond with impurities that can then be readily removed
7. a flow or discharge
8. the rate of flow of energy or particles across a given surface

Verb

1. mix together different elements
   • The colors blend well
2. become liquid or fluid when heated
   • the frozen fat liquefied
3. move or progress freely as if in a stream
   • The crowd flowed out of the stadium