linkage

[ ling-kij ]

noun

1. the act of linking; link; state or manner of being linked. link. linked.
2. a system of links. link. links.
3. Genetics. an association between two or more genes on a chromosome that tends to cause the characteristics determined by these genes to be inherited as an inseparable unit.
4. Machinery. an assembly of four or more rods for transmitting motion, usually in the same plane or in parallel planes.
5. a factor or relationship that connects or ties one thing to another; link:

   Administration officials sought to establish linkage between grain sales and relaxed immigration laws.

6. any of various mathematical or drawing devices consisting of a combination of bars or pieces pivoted together so as to turn about one another, usually in parallel planes.
7. Electricity. flux linkage.

linkage

/ ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act of linking or the state of being linked
2. a system of interconnected levers or rods for transmitting or regulating the motion of a mechanism
3. electronics the product of the total number of lines of magnetic flux and the number of turns in a coil or circuit through which they pass
4. genetics the occurrence of two genes close together on the same chromosome so that they are unlikely to be separated during crossing over and tend to be inherited as a single unit
5. the fact of linking separate but related issues in the course of political negotiations

Other Words From

• non·linkage adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of linkage¹

First recorded in 1870–75; link ¹ + -age

Example Sentences

"Our eureka moment was when our first experiments showed it is possible to produce electricity in a cyclic rhythm and the precise linkage between this and the plant's inherent daily rhythm," Chakraborty said.

From Science Daily

The other is a diazirine group, which can be activated by light to create stable covalent linkages between the labeled proteins and any molecules they interact with.

From Science Daily

The meaning of the more ornate linkages is less clear.

From New York Times

He added, “I have suffered from dissociation all my life, but somehow the linkage between ‘qi’ and art has given me focus and hope.”

From New York Times

The researchers deemed this linkage “dose-dependent”, suggesting that a child or adolescent who is more fit may be accordingly less likely to experience the onset of a mental health disorder.

From New York Times

Related Words

• connection
• correlation
• interconnection
• interdependence
• link
• relationship
• similarity