n.
Pronunciation: ' li ŋ k
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hlekkr chain; akin to Old English hlanc lank
Date: 15th century
1 : a connecting structure: as a (1) : a single ring or division of a chain (2) : one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length b : CUFF LINK c : BOND 3C d : an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion especially : a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end e : the fusible member of an electrical fuse
2 : something analogous to a link of chain: as a : a segment of sausage in a chain b : a connecting element or factor <found a link between smoking and cancer> c : a unit in a communication system d : an identifier attached to an element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements especially : one (as a hyperlink) in a computer file