Affinity - Definition
affinity
n 1: (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an
antibody
2: (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood
relationship [ant: blood kinship, cognation,
consanguinity]
3: (biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups
of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or
structural parts; "in anatomical structure prehistoric man
shows close affinity with modern humans" [syn: affinity,
phylogenetic relation]
4: a close connection marked by community of interests or
similarity in nature or character; "found a natural affinity
with the immigrants"; "felt a deep kinship with the other
students"; "anthropology's kinship with the humanities" [syn:
affinity, kinship]
5: the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them
together in a molecule; "basic dyes have an affinity for wool
and silk" [syn: affinity, chemical attraction]
6: inherent resemblance between persons or things
7: a natural attraction or feeling of kinship; "an affinity for
politics"; "the mysterious affinity between them"; "James's
affinity with Sam"