1.(immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody (Freq. 1) • Topics: immunology • Hypernyms: attraction, attractive force 2.(anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship • Ant: consanguinity • Derivationally related forms: affine • Topics: anthropology • Hypernyms: kinship, family relationship, relationship • Hyponyms: steprelationship 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 • Syn: phylogenetic relation • Topics: biology, biological science • Hypernyms: kinship, family relationship, relationship 4. 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 • Syn: kinship • Hypernyms: relation • Hyponyms: rapport, resonance, sympathy 5. the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule - basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk • Syn: chemical attraction • Hypernyms: force 6. inherent resemblance between persons or things • Hypernyms: resemblance 7. a natural attraction or feeling of kinship - an affinity for politics - the mysterious affinity between them - James's affinity with Sam • Hypernyms: attraction, attractiveness
