Con-nĕc'tion, n.

n. [Lat. connexio, Pr. connexion, Fr. connexion, It. connessione.]

1Sense 1. The act of uniting, or state of being united; junction; union; alliance; communication; correspondence.

Each intermediate idea must be such as, in the whole chain, hath a visible connection with the two it is placed between. Locke.

He [Algazel] denied the possibility of a known connection between cause and effect. Whewell.

2Sense 2. (a.) The persons or things connected together, as a family, an ecclesiastical body, and the like; as, the Methodist connection. (b.) One who is connected by family ties. “Men elevated by powerful connection.” Motley.

In this connection, in connection with this subject;—a phrase much used in the United States, but not often employed by the best writers in England.

☞ This word was formerly spelt, as by Milton, with x instead of t in the termination, connexion, and the same thing is true of the kindred words inflexion, reflexion, and the like. But the general usage at present is to spell them connection, inflection, reflection, &c.; and this agrees more truly with their etymologies, from Lat. connectere, inflectere, reflectere, &c.

Synonyms—Union; coherence; continuity; junction; association; dependence; intercourse; commerce; communication; affinity; relationship.