coupling

/ˈkʌp(ə)lɪŋ/

/ˈkʌplɪŋ/

Other forms: couplings

Definitions of coupling

1. noun

   the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes
   synonyms: conjugation, mating, pairing, sexual union, union

   types:

   assortative mating

   mating of individuals having more traits in common than likely in random mating

   disassortative mating

   mating of individuals having traits more dissimilar than likely in random mating

   cross, crossbreeding, crossing, hybridisation, hybridization, hybridizing, interbreeding

   (genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids

   inbreeding

   the act of mating closely related individuals

   service, servicing

   the act of mating by male animals

   dihybrid cross

   hybridization using two traits with two alleles each

   monohybrid cross

   hybridization using a single trait with two alleles (as in Mendel's experiments with garden peas)

   reciprocal, reciprocal cross

   hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype

   test-cross, testcross

   a cross between an organism whose genotype for a certain trait is unknown and an organism that is homozygous recessive for that trait so the unknown genotype can be determined from that of the offspring

   type of:

   sex, sex activity, sexual activity, sexual practice

   activities associated with sexual intercourse
2. noun

   a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together
   synonyms: yoke

   type of:

   connecter, connection, connective, connector, connexion

   an instrumentality that connects
3. noun

   a mechanical device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent objects
   synonyms: coupler

   types:

   clevis

   a coupler shaped like the letter U with holes through each end so a bolt or pin can pass through the holes to complete the coupling; used to attach a drawbar to a plow or wagon or trailer etc.

   clutch

   a coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism

   fluid drive

   an automotive power coupling

   swivel

   a coupling (as in a chain) that has one end that turns on a headed pin

   turnbuckle

   an oblong metal coupling with a swivel at one end and an internal thread at the other into which a threaded rod can be screwed in order to form a unit that can be adjusted for length or tension

   universal, universal joint

   coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions

   freewheel

   a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting)

   friction clutch

   a clutch in which one part turns the other by the friction between them

   type of:

   mechanical device

   mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles