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Definition of linseed

linseed

/ˈlɪn.siːd/
lin · seed
Plural:linseeds
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linseed Lexical Profile

linseed Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The seed of the flax plant, typically crushed to produce oil used in paints, varnishes, and linoleum, or used as a dietary supplement and animal feed.

Example

"The painter mixed a few drops of refined linseed oil into her pigments to improve their flow and durability on the canvas."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for linseed

Word Nuance & Usage

While referring to the exact same botanical seed, 'flaxseed' is typically used in North America to denote the product meant for human consumption, whereas 'linseed' is generally used to describe the industrial product utilized in paints, varnishes, and animal feed.

• Nearby Words

linnet
linoleum
linsang
linseed
lint
lintel
linum

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'līnsǣd', combining 'līn' (flax, from Latin 'linum') and 'sǣd' (seed).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Linseed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/linseed
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