alignment

 
Pronunciation: /əˈlʌɪnm(ə)nt/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] arrangement in a straight line or in correct relative positions: the tiles had slipped out of alignment
  • [count noun] the route or course of a railway or road: four railways, all on different alignments present-day road alignments
  • [count noun] Archaeology a linear arrangement of stones: there were originally at least four massive stone alignments running from west to east
  • 2a position of agreement or alliance: the uncertain nature of political alignments

Origin:

late 18th century: from French alignement, from aligner (see align)