English noun: coupling | |||
1. | coupling (artifact) a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together | ||
Synonyms | yoke | ||
Broader (hypernym) | connecter, connection, connective, connector, connexion | ||
2. | coupling (artifact) a mechanical device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent objects | ||
Synonyms | coupler | ||
Broader (hypernym) | mechanical device | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | clevis, clutch, fluid drive, swivel, turnbuckle, universal, universal joint | ||
3. | coupling (act) the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes | ||
Samples | The casual couplings of adolescents. The mating of some species occurs only in the spring. | ||
Synonyms | conjugation, mating, pairing, sexual union, union | ||
Broader (hypernym) | sex, sex activity, sexual activity, sexual practice | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | assortative mating, cross, crossbreeding, crossing, disassortative mating, hybridisation, hybridization, hybridizing, inbreeding, interbreeding, service, servicing | ||