(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
Note: in BRIT, also use 'connexion'
1.
A ~ is a relationship between two things, people, or groups.
There was no evidence of a ~ between BSE and the brain diseases recently confirmed in cats...
The police say he had no ~ with the security forces...
= association, link
N-VAR: usu N prep
2.
A ~ is a joint where two wires or pipes are joined together.
Check all radiators for small leaks, especially round pipework ~s.
N-COUNT
3.
If a place has good road, rail, or air ~s, many places can be directly reached from there by car, train, or plane.
Fukuoka has excellent air and rail ~s to the rest of the country.
N-COUNT: usu n N
4.
If you get a ~ at a station or airport, you catch a train, bus, or plane, after getting off another train, bus, or plane, in order to continue your journey.
My flight was late and I missed the ~.
N-COUNT: usu sing
5.
Your ~s are the people who you know or are related to, especially when they are in a position to help you.
She used her ~s to full advantage.
N-PLURAL
6.
If you write or talk to someone in ~ with something, you write or talk to them about that thing. (FORMAL)
13 men have been questioned in ~ with the murder.
PREP-PHRASE