rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylinseedFlax seed
noun

linseed

LIN-seed/ˈlɪnsiːd/

The seed of the flax plant, especially as a source of oil.

The dish holds glossy brown linseed beside a vessel of its golden oil.

A close still life of glossy brown flax seeds in a shallow dish, with a few scattered seeds, a small clear vessel of golden flaxseed oil, and a flax sprig bearing pale blue flowers and round seed capsules to identify the plant.
Etymology
linOld Englishflax
+seedOld Englishseed

The compound literally means “seed of flax,” preserving the plant’s older English name in its first part. These seeds supply the linseed oil used in paints, inks, and varnishes.

In context

Storia English14:33
But in the 20th century, linseed oil pressed from flax seeds found a major industrial use.
The History of Flax — The Ancient Plant Behind Linen and Medicine | Easy English Story

More examples

  • Linseed oil protects the wood and brings out its grain.
  • The farmer harvests linseed after the seed capsules turn brown.
  • A few brown linseeds remain at the bottom of the sack.

Forms

linseed · linseeds

Similar words

flaxseed
Names the same seed, especially in food and nutrition.