Flank

flank

1. the side of a man or animal between the ribs and the hip

2. (loosely) the outer part of the human thigh

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flank [flaŋk]

(civil engineering)

The outer edge of a carriageway.

(design engineering)

The end surface of a cutting tool, adjacent to the cutting edge.

The side of a screw thread.

(geology)

limb

(vertebrate zoology)

The part of a quadruped mammal between the ribs and the pelvic girdle.

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elevation

1. A drawing showing the vertical elements of a building, either exterior or interior, as a direct projection to a vertical plane.

2. The vertical distance above or below some established reference level.

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Flank 

the right or left sides of a troop formation or deployment; also the sides of a combat, marching, or operational formation. In combat formation, the flank is more vulnerable than the front; if the enemy gains the flank, the troops become isolated from neighboring forces and communications with the rear may be cut off. For this reason, an army devotes special attention to securing its own flanks and the points at which the flanks of adjacent units meet.