affinity

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: əˈfɪnɪti, SAMPA: @"fInIti

[edit] Etymology

From Old French affinité.

[edit] Noun

affinity (plural affinities)

1. A natural attraction or feeling of kinship to a person or thing.
2. A family relationship through marriage of a relative, as opposed to consanguinity. (e.g. sister-in-law).
3. The fact of and manner in which something is related to another.
   • 1997: Chris Horrocks, Introducing Foucault, page 67, The Renaissance Episteme (Totem Books, Icon Books; ISBN 1840460865)

     A “signature” was placed on all things by God to indicate their affinities — but it was hidden, hence the search for arcane knowledge. Knowing was guessing and interpreting, not observing or demonstrating.

4. A kinsman or kinswoman of such relationship. Affinal kinsman or kinswoman.
5. Any romantic relationship.
6. Any passionate love for something.
7. (chemistry) An attractive force between atoms, or groups of atoms, that contributes towards their forming bonds
8. The attraction between an antibody and an antigen

[edit] Translations