flank
//flæŋk//
Translation
flank
Definition
The flank is the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip. In military contexts, it refers to the right or left side of a formation or battle line. This word is also used in anatomy and geography to describe the side part of a structure or area. For example, in hiking, you might refer to the flank of a mountain. The term is versatile and appears in both literal and figurative uses, such as 'the flank of a building' or 'the flank of an argument.'
Example
“The horse had a deep wound on its flank.”
The horse had a deep wound on its side.
“The general ordered the troops to attack the enemy's left flank.”
The general ordered the troops to attack the enemy's left side.
“She felt a sharp pain in her flank after running.”
She felt a sharp pain in her side after running.
“The mountain's flank was covered in dense forest.”
The mountain's side was covered in dense forest.
“The army moved to protect its exposed flank.”
The army moved to protect its exposed side.
“The cat's flank twitched as it slept.”
The cat's side twitched as it slept.
“The building's flank was damaged in the storm.”
The building's side was damaged in the storm.
“The politician tried to cover his flank by addressing the criticism early.”
The politician tried to cover his side by addressing the criticism early.
“The flank of the ship was painted a bright red.”
The side of the ship was painted a bright red.
“The soldiers advanced on the flank of the column.”
The soldiers advanced on the side of the column.
Synonyms