any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus Linum, esp L. usitatissimum, which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family Linaceae
2.
the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics
3.
any of various similar plants
4. Also called: harakeke New Zealand
a swamp plant producing a fibre that is used by Māoris for decorative work, baskets, etc