link

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hlekkr chain; akin to Old English hlanc lank Date: 15th century 1. a connecting structure: as a. (1) a single ring or division of a chain (2) one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length b. cuff link c. bond 3c d. an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion; especially a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end e. the fusible member of an electrical fuse 2. something analogous to a link of chain: as a. a segment of sausage in a chain b. a connecting element or factor <

found a link between smoking and cancer

> c. a unit in a communication system d. an identifier attached to an element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements; especially one (as a hyperlink) in a computer file II. verb Date: 15th century transitive verb to couple or connect by or as if by a link intransitive verb to become connected by or as if by a link — often used with up <

the band linked up with a new record label

> Synonyms: see join • linker noun III. noun Etymology: perhaps modification of Medieval Latin linchinus candle, alteration of Latin lychnus, from Greek lychnos; akin to Greek leukos white — more at light Date: 1526 a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets IV. intransitive verb Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1715 Scottish to skip smartly along