WordWeb Online

1. (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody
    
2. (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship
    
3. (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"
   - phylogenetic relation
    
4. A close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character
   "found a natural affinity with the immigrants"
   - kinship
    
5. The force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule
   "basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk"
   - chemical attraction
    
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"

Derived forms: affinities

See also: affine

Type of: attraction, attractive force, attractiveness, family relationship, force, kinship, relation, relationship, resemblance

Antonym: consanguinity

Encyclopedia: Affinity