Definition of 'affinity'

Noun

1. the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule; "basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk"
      Synonyms: chemical attraction
2. (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody
3. (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship
      Antonyms: consanguinity blood kinship cognation
4. (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"
      Synonyms: phylogenetic relation
5. 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"
      Synonyms: kinship
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"

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