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A flange is an external or internal rib, or rim, for strength, as the flange of an iron beam; or for a guide, as the flange of a car wheel; or for attachment to another object, as the flange on the end of a pipe, steam cylinder, etc.
Alternatively, a flange can be a plate or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the pipe. A blind flange is a plate for covering or closing the end of a pipe. A flange joint is a joint, as that of pipes, where the connecting pieces have flanges by which the parts are bolted together.
A flange rail is a rail with a flange on one side, to keep wheels, etc. from running off.
Flange turning is the process of forming a flange on a wrought iron plate by bending and hammering it when hot.
Servo flange
Flange is also a slang term for female genitalia in parts of the U.K.
The phrase "a flange of baboons" is now a widely recognised way of referring to a baboon troop since it was used (as a joke) in the British TV comedy series, Not The 9 O'clock news.