I. ˈliŋk 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
II. verb
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
: to couple or connect by or as if by a link
intransitive verb
: to become connected by or as if by a link — often used with up
the band link ed up with a new record label
Synonyms: see join
• link·er noun
III. noun
Etymology: perhaps modification of Medieval Latin linchinus candle, alteration of Latin lychnus, from Greek lychnos; akin to Greek leukos white — more at light
Date: 1526
: a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets
IV. intransitive verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1715
Scottish : to skip smartly along