linkage

link·age

noun \ˈliŋ-kij\

Definition of LINKAGE

1

: the manner or style of being united: as a : the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule b : bond 3c

2

: the quality or state of being linked; especially : the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together — compare mendel's law 2

3

: a system of links; especially : a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced

4

: link 2b

5

: the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

Examples of LINKAGE

1. linkages between population growth and disease
2. <the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies>

First Known Use of LINKAGE

1874

Related to LINKAGE

Synonyms: affinity, association, bearing, kinship, liaison, connection, relation, relationship

Related Words: correlation, interrelation; materiality, pertinence, relevance; bond, link, tie; affiliation, alliance, union; identicalness, sameness; alikeness, community, likeness, resemblance, similarity; accordance, agreement, conformity, congruity, correspondence

Near Antonyms: variability, variance; incompatibility, incongruence, incongruity, incongruousness

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with LINKAGE

shrinkage, sinkage