What is the meaning of affinity?

noun

  • Immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody. (
  • Anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship. (
  • Biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts. (
    • usage: "in anatomical structure prehistoric man shows close affinity with modern humans"
  • A close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character.
    • usage: "found a natural affinity with the immigrants"; "felt a deep kinship with the other students"; "anthropology's kinship with the humanities"
  • The force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule.
    • usage: "basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk"
  • Inherent resemblance between persons or things.
  • A natural attraction or feeling of kinship.
    • usage: "an affinity for politics"; "the mysterious affinity between them"; "James's affinity with Sam"
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APAWordNet. (2010). affinity. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/affinity/definitions/1210104
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "affinity" http://smartdefine.org/affinity/definitions/1210104 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, affinity, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/affinity/definitions/1210104>.
MLAWordNet. "affinity" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/affinity/definitions/1210104>
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