Flank
From Free net encyclopedia
Flank is a word which might mean any of several different things:
- A flank is the side of either a horse or a military unit. The parts of a military unit are regularly called the "left flank", "right flank" and "center". The use of these terms came from a time when armies would clash in an open field, but is still used today. Throughout military history, a common tactic has been to try to catch the enemy forces in the flank, see below.
- To flank is a verb, meaning to catch someone or something in the side (the flank, see above) or even from behind in order to attack them. The use of attack from an unexpected direction is generally very effective, and severely limits the offensive response possible for the attacked party. Flanking maneuvers (that is, movement in order to flank an enemy) are used on all levels of military tactics, from individual soldier up to army divisions.
- Flank can also refer to a region of the posterior torso (lower back) beneath the ribs and above the ilium. Pain in this region is generally associated with kidney infection or calculi (kidney stones). Flank pain might come from an ulcer on the posterior extension of the duodenum or more serious problems, such as increased posterior interabdominal pressure from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Flank, also called flanker can refer to specific positions in the sport of rugby union, and in American football. Flanks form part of the forwards and bind onto the side of the scrum. The two positions are blind-side flank (number 6) and open-side flank (number 7).
- Flank steak, a specific cut of beef.
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