linkage

/ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ/

/ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ/

Other forms: linkages

Linkage means "connection"––the act of linking or the fact of being linked––specifically the kind of connection where one thing follows the other, as if in a chain.

A relatively new word (from the mid-19th century), linkage has a scientific or at least a technical ring to it, and it's often used in scientific or diplomatic contexts. In peace negotiations, there is usually a linkage between agreement to cease fire and the meeting of other demands. The connection by which genes travel together from one generation to the next is called linkage.

Definitions of linkage

1. noun

   the act of linking things together
   type of:

   attachment, fastening

   the act of fastening things together
2. noun

   a mechanical system of rods or springs or pivots that transmits power or motion
   type of:

   mechanical system

   a system of elements that interact on mechanical principles
3. noun

   an associative relation
   types:

   link, nexus

   the means of connection between things linked in series

   type of:

   connectedness, connection, connexion

   a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
4. noun

   (genetics) traits that tend to be inherited together as a consequence of an association between their genes; all of the genes of a given chromosome are linked (where one goes they all go)
   synonyms: gene linkage

   type of:

   hereditary pattern, inheritance

   (genetics) attributes acquired via biological heredity from the parents