link

link

link¹ [liŋk]

n.

[ME linke < Scand, as in ON hlekkr, Dan lænke, Swed länk, in same senses, akin to OE hlence, link of a chain, coat of mail < base of hlencan, to twist < IE base * kleng-, to bend, wind > LANK]

1. any of the series of rings or loops making up a chain

2.

a) a section of something resembling a chain [a link of sausage]

b) a point or stage in a series of circumstances [a weak link in the evidence]

3. CUFF LINK

4. anything serving to connect or tie [a link with the past]

5.

a) one division (¹/ ₁₀₀) of a surveyor's, or Gunter's, chain, equal to 7.92 inches (20.117 centimeters)

b) one division (¹/ ₁₀₀) of an engineer's chain, equal to 1 foot (30.48 centimeters)

6. Chem. BOND¹ (sense 8)

7. Elec. the part of a fuse that melts when the current becomes too strong

8. Mech. a short connecting rod for transmitting power or motion

9. Radio TV a radio unit for transmitting sound or picture between specific stations

vt., vi.

to join together with or as with a link or links

SYN.- JOIN

linker

n.

link² [liŋk]

n.

[prob. < ML linchinus, var. of lichinus, a lamp < L lychnus, a light < Gr lychnos, a lamp < IE * luksnos < base * leuk-, to shine, LIGHT¹]

a torch made of tow and pitch