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

Rhymes with LINKAGE

shrinkage, sinkage

link·age

noun \ˈliŋ-kij\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of LINKAGE

1

: the manner in which atoms or radicals are connected by chemical bonds in a molecule

2

: the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together—compare mendel's law 2

linkage

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In mechanical engineering, a system of solid, usually metallic, links (bars) connected to two or more other links by pin joints (hinges), sliding joints, or ball-and-socket joints to form a closed chain or a series of closed chains. When one link is fixed, the possible movements of the other links relative to the fixed link and to one another depend on the number of links and the number and types of joints. With four pin-connected links, for example, the links all move in parallel planes, and regardless of which link is fixed, the others move in a fixed way relative to the fixed link. With various relative lengths of the links, this four-bar linkage becomes a useful mechanism for converting uniform rotary to non-uniform rotary motion or continuous rotary to oscillatory motion. It is the most commonly used linkage mechanism in machine construction.