affinity affinity /əˈfɪnəti/

noun

1. () (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody  ( affinity )
   (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody
   
2. A natural attraction or feeling of kinship  ( affinity )
   a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
    An affinity for politics
   an affinity for politics
    The mysterious affinity between them
   the mysterious affinity between them
    James's affinity with Sam
   James's affinity with Sam
   
3. Inherent resemblance between persons or things  ( affinity )
   inherent resemblance between persons or things
   
4. The force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule  ( affinity , chemical attraction )
   the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule
    Basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk
   basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk
   
5. A close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character  ( affinity , kinship )
   a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character
    Found a natural affinity with the immigrants
   found a natural affinity with the immigrants
    Felt a deep kinship with the other students
   felt a deep kinship with the other students
    Anthropology's kinship with the humanities
   anthropology's kinship with the humanities
   
6. (biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts  ( affinity , phylogenetic relation )
   (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
   in anatomical structure prehistoric man shows close affinity with modern humans
   
7. (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship  ( affinity )
   (anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship