Definition of linkage
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for linkage
The first known use of linkage was in 1874
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