connection

 
Pronunciation: /kəˈnɛkʃ(ə)n/
(British also connexion)

noun

  • 1a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else: the connections between social attitudes and productivity sufferers deny that their problems have any connection with drugs
  • [mass noun] the action of linking one thing with another: connection to the Internet
  • [mass noun] the placing of parts of an electric circuit in contact so that a current may flow.
  • a link between electrical components or pipes: ensure that all connections between the wires are properly made
  • a link between two telephones: she replaced the receiver before the connection was made
  • an arrangement or opportunity for catching a connecting train, bus, aircraft, etc.: ferry connections are sporadic in the low season
  • a connecting train, bus, etc.: we had to wait for our connection to Frankfurt
  • (connections) people with whom one has social or professional contact or to whom one is related, especially those with influence and able to offer one help: he had connections in the music industry
  • 2 informal, chiefly North American a supplier of narcotics.
  • a narcotics sale or purchase.
  • 3chiefly historical an association of Methodist Churches: the primitive Methodists broke with the Wesleyan connection in 1810

Phrases

in connection with

with reference to; concerning: detectives are questioning two men in connection with alleged criminal damage

in this (or that) connection

with reference to this (or that): the local Marine Surveyor should be able to assist in this connection

Derivatives

connectional

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin connexio(n-), from connectere (see connect). The spelling -ct (18th century) is from connect, on the pattern of pairs such as collect, collection

Spelling help

Connection can also be spelled connexion: both are correct.