Main Entry: con·nec·tion

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈnek-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin connexion-, connexio, from conectere

Date: 14th century

1 : the act of connecting : the state of being connected: as a : causal or logical relation or sequence <the connection between two ideas> b (1) : contextual relation or association <in this connection the word has a different meaning> (2) : relationship in fact <wanted in connection with a robbery> c : a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties) d : coherence, continuity
2 a : something that connects : link <a loose connection in the wiring> b : a means of communication or transport <a telephone connection>
3 : a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest <has powerful connections>
4 : a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship: as a : position, job b : an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another <a firm's foreign connections> c : a source of contraband (as illegal drugs)
5 : a set of persons associated together: as a : denomination b : clan

— con·nec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective