affinity

(noun) (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody.

(noun) (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship.

(noun) (biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts. Synonyms: phylogenetic relation. Example: "In anatomical structure prehistoric man shows close affinity with modern humans."

(noun) a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character. Synonyms: kinship. Examples: "Found a natural affinity with the immigrants." "Felt a deep kinship with the other students." "Anthropology's kinship with the humanities."

(noun) the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule. Synonyms: chemical attraction. Example: "Basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk."

(noun) inherent resemblance between persons or things.

(noun) a natural attraction or feeling of kinship. Examples: "An affinity for politics." "The mysterious affinity between them." "James's affinity with sam."