alignment

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