Linkage

ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ

nounmedium📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act or state of being linked; a connection or relationship.

ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ

nounneutralmedium
General

A connection or relationship between things.

The report highlights the strong linkage between smoking and lung cancer.

💡 Simply: Linkage is like a bridge that connects two things, ideas, or even people. For instance, the linkage between healthy eating and feeling good.

👶 For kids: Linkage means when two things are connected, like holding hands.

More Examples

2

There is a clear linkage between the company's marketing strategy and its sales figures.

3

Scientists are exploring the genetic linkage that explains family traits.

How It's Used

Technology

"The software allows for seamless linkage between different databases."

Social Science

"Researchers are studying the linkage between poverty and educational attainment."

2

A system of interconnected mechanical parts, often used to transmit motion.

ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ

nounneutralAdvanced
Technology

A system of interconnected parts in a machine.

The robotic arm's fine movements are due to a precise linkage system.

💡 Simply: Imagine a complex clock. The linkage is all the little parts (gears, levers, etc.) working together to make the hands move and tell the time. It's how the clock does its job.

👶 For kids: Linkage means when different parts of a machine are connected to work together.

More Examples

2

Engineers are trying to improve the linkage in the new car design to improve efficiency.

3

The linkage between the pedals and the wheels on a bicycle is a fundamental part of the bicycle's mechanics.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The automotive engine features a complex linkage that translates rotational motion into linear motion."

Mechanics

"The robot's arm has a delicate linkage ensuring smooth and precise movements."

Tip:Think of interconnected rods or levers in a machine; they form a linkage.

Idioms & expressions

supply chain linkage

The connections between different parts of a supply chain.

"Improving supply chain linkage helps streamline the delivery of goods."

From Old English *hlinc* (chain, link) + -age (forming a noun). The word developed to describe a connection or relationship between things.

Used in the 19th century to describe mechanical connections, later expanded to include relationships and connections in various fields, especially in science and social science.

Memory tip

Think of a chain; each link forms a linkage.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"chain, link"

genetic linkagestrong linkagedirect linkagesupply chain linkagemechanical linkage

Common misspellings

linkegelinkidgelinage

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written