linkage

noun link·age \ ˈliŋ-kij \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

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 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

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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 of linkage from the Web

The attacks on the Aleutians and on Midway were simultaneous operations and their linkage has been part of the historical discussions about Japanese motivations ever since.

— peter porco, Anchorage Daily News, "When Japan invaded Alaska: What you need to know about the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Attu," 15 May 2018
It is widely believed to have strong linkages to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency, which shares similar aims in Kashmir and uses the LeT in its proxy war with India.

— yelena biberman, Washington Post, "Pakistani militants have created their own political party. Can it actually win votes?," 7 May 2018
Although guns can do a great deal of good in hunting, sport shooting, or safeguarding public order, their linkage to the darker side of human nature can’t be denied.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "What a Gun Is," 7 Mar. 2018
Even as investors and analysts remain concerned about the level of foreign demand proliferate, global economic linkages and international trade create strong incentives for foreign investors to continue to buy Treasurys.

— daniel kruger, WSJ, "Growing Concern: Foreign Investors Lose Some Hunger for U.S. Debt," 30 Apr. 2018
The linkage of colors, hues, tones, contrasts and other aspects of visual perception to jazz is not new.

— john adamian, courant.com, "Josh Lawrence And Color Theory At Firehouse 12," 28 Apr. 2018
Indeed, much of the moral fervor that fed the liberal project in the 1940s came precisely from its linkage to the cause of racial justice.

— eric schickler, Vox, "Debunking the myth that “identity politics” is bad for the Democratic Party," 21 Apr. 2018
Ann McKee, the neuropathologist who directs Boston University’s CTE Center, has said a lack of donors is holding up a more definitive linkage.

— sam donnellon, Philly.com, "Is the NHL doing enough to prevent concussions? Eric Lindros, others don't think so," 19 Apr. 2018
Here is Sarah Sanders specifically asked about that aspects of potential linkage there.

— Fox News, "Trump attacks former FBI director over tell-all book," 14 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'linkage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.