1. (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody
   "The high affinity between the antigen and antibody resulted in a strong immune response"
    
2. The force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule
   "basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk";
   - chemical attraction
    
3. (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship
   "His affinity to the family came through his marriage to their daughter"
    
4. (biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts
   "in anatomical structure prehistoric man shows close affinity with modern humans";
   - phylogenetic relation
    
5. Inherent resemblance between persons or things
   "There's a clear affinity between jazz and blues music"
    
6. A close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character
   "found a natural affinity with the immigrants";
   - kinship
    
7. A natural attraction or feeling of kinship
   "James's affinity with Sam"; "an affinity for politics"; "the mysterious affinity between them"

Derived forms: affinities

Type of: attraction, attractive force, attractiveness, family relationship, force, kinship, relation, relationship, resemblance, similarity

Antonym: cognation

Encyclopedia: Affinity, West Virginia