linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij 

1

: the manner or style of being united: such as

a

: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule

b

: bond sense 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 sense 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 sense 2b

5

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

Synonyms

• affinity
• association
• bearing
• connection
• kinship
• liaison
• relation
• relationship

Examples of linkage in a Sentence

linkages between population growth and disease

the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies

Recent Examples on the Web

Better research is needed on topics such as breastfeeding while taking medications, the impact of breastfeeding for low-birth weight babies, and the linkage of breastfeeding to maternal mental health. —Andrea Ippolito, STAT, 1 Sep. 2023

If the shift linkage of an Esprit needs finessing, and if the V-8's lack of low-rpm power requires throttle management, then that's just part of the driving experience. —Brendan McAleer, Car and Driver, 13 Aug. 2023

The linkage of the 2020s with the Dark Ages feels cautionary. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 12 July 2023

Collaborate with anonymity through linkages to applications like the Lucid Spark Whiteboard. —Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023

Regardless of party, the poll revealed a direct linkage between concern about climate change and personal experience. —Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2023

Threads took off like a rocket, with its close linkage to Instagram as the booster. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 26 July 2023

What makes something a serial killing is that there is a linkage with the nature of the crime and the circumstances, Bray said. —Aria Jones, Dallas News, 21 July 2023

The disastrous linkage of coverage to employment reduces individuals’ ability to move, to make choices, and to take risks. —Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing linkage

• cross-linkage
• linkage group
• sex-linkage
• peptide linkage

• cross-linkage
• linkage group
• sex-linkage
• peptide linkage

Kids Definition

linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij 

1

: the manner or style of being united: as

a

: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule

b

: bond entry 1 sense 2b

2

: the quality or state of being linked

especially : the occurring together of genes on the same chromosome with the result that the traits they control are not inherited independently of each other but tend to be found together

3

: a system of links

especially : a system of links or bars jointed together by means of which lines or curves may be traced

Medical Definition

linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij 

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 sense 2