# linkage

/ˈɫɪŋkədʒ/ (US) · /lˈɪŋkɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/linkage
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a connection or relationship

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a connection or relationship between two things or ideas.

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

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

### 2. mechanical parts

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The mechanic had to repair the steering linkage after the accident.
- The engineer redesigned the throttle linkage to ensure a smoother response when the pilot adjusted the engine speed.

### 3. genetics

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- Scientists studied the linkage of these two genes to see if they always appear together.
- Mapping the linkage between specific markers allowed the researchers to identify the chromosomal region responsible for the hereditary condition.

### 4. computing

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The software failed during the linkage stage because a file was missing.
- Static linkage ensures that all necessary library routines are included in the final binary, making the application more portable.

## Examples

- There is a clear linkage between poverty and poor health.
- Diplomats are exploring the linkage between trade agreements and environmental protections during the current round of negotiations.
- The researcher established a statistical linkage between early childhood education and long-term career success, though the exact mechanisms of this influence remain a subject of intense academic debate.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.