coupling

[ kuhp-ling ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that couples.
2. Machinery.
   1. a device for joining two rotating shafts semipermanently at their ends so as to transmit torque from one to the other. Compare clutch ¹( def 12a ).
   2. a part with an inside thread for connecting two pipes of the same diameter.
   3. a fitting at the end of a length of hose into which the end of another such length can be screwed or fitted.
3. Railroads. coupler ( def 3 ).
4. Electricity.
   1. the association of two circuits or systems in such a way that power may be transferred from one to the other.
   2. a device or expedient to ensure this.
5. a short length of plumbing pipe having each end threaded on the inside.
6. the part of the body between the tops of the shoulder blades and the tops of the hip joints in a dog, horse, etc.
7. linkage ( def 5 ).

coupling

/ ˈkʌplɪŋ /

noun

1. a mechanical device that connects two things
2. a device for connecting railway cars or trucks together
3. the part of the body of a horse, dog, or other quadruped that lies between the forequarters and the hindquarters
4. electronics the act or process of linking two or more circuits so that power can be transferred between them usually by mutual induction, as in a transformer, or by means of a capacitor or inductor common to both circuits See also direct coupling
5. physics an interaction between different properties of a system, such as a group of atoms or nuclei, or between two or more systems
6. genetics the occurrence of two specified nonallelic genes from the same parent on the same chromosome

Word History and Origins

Origin of coupling¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; couple, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It’s turtlenecks and quality sweaters, buying decorative gourds for an evening dinner party and coupling up for cuffing season, if not longer term.

From Los Angeles Times

He dove into scouting reports with first base coach Clayton McCullough on opposing pitchers’ timing and pick-off tendencies, coupling a cerebral component with his explosive raw foot speed.

From Los Angeles Times

Stafford, he said, still demonstrates elite arm talent, coupling that with deep knowledge.

From Los Angeles Times

There was little to no resistance; The coupling was consensual and very welcome.

From Salon

Now, former contestants are shedding a light on what life is really like after the cameras stop rolling - and reality TV relationship experts are sharing the secrets behind a successful coupling up.

From BBC

Related Words

• intercourse
• pairing