English Reference
noun

linkage

n.
US /ˈɫɪŋkədʒ/ UK /lˈɪŋkɪdʒ/ link·age UK spelling linkage's, linkage's

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    a connection or relationship between two things or ideas.

    the state of being linked or the relationship between two or more entities, often used in academic or political contexts.

    Simple

    The report explores the linkage between air pollution and heart disease.

    In context

    Economists have long debated the direct linkage between interest rate hikes and consumer spending patterns in developing markets.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'between'.

    disconnectionseparation
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    a system of connected parts in a machine that work together.

    a system of interconnected rigid parts, such as rods or levers, used to transmit motion or force within a machine.

    Simple

    The mechanic had to repair the steering linkage after the accident.

    In context

    The engineer redesigned the throttle linkage to ensure a smoother response when the pilot adjusted the engine speed.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the tendency for certain genes to be inherited together because they are close to each other.

    the tendency of DNA sequences that are close together on a chromosome to be inherited together during the meiosis phase of sexual reproduction.

    Simple

    Scientists studied the linkage of these two genes to see if they always appear together.

    In context

    Mapping the linkage between specific markers allowed the researchers to identify the chromosomal region responsible for the hereditary condition.

    genetic linkage
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    the process of combining different parts of a computer program into one file.

    the process of combining various object files into a single executable file or library.

    Simple

    The software failed during the linkage stage because a file was missing.

    In context

    Static linkage ensures that all necessary library routines are included in the final binary, making the application more portable.


From link + -age.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated