linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner or style of being united: such as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
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
5
: the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mehdi also re-emphasized the hardware/software linkage that has driven the upgrades hurdles that have qualified out those 400 million PCs. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The plunge in global markets that started Sunday night, however, looks to be driven by international financial linkages and crowded trades unwinding. Neil Irwin, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024 The new plan has over 40 projects across the county for roadway construction, safety improvements and wildlife linkages, with almost half of the projects located in Tucson. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 28 Oct. 2024 Second, the drooping power lines increase the risk that the wires get tangled up in the pantographs, the linkages atop of the trains that slide along the catenary and draw power from it. Nolan Hicks, Curbed, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for linkage 

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linkage was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near linkage

Cite this Entry

“Linkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linkage. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

linkage

noun
link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner or style of being united: as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
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 How to pronounce linkage (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on linkage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!