figurative and in figurative contexts. Something resembling a bridge in form or function; that which spans a (physical or notional) gap between…

A constraining force; a bond of union or sympathy; a tie. Obsolete.

A uniting or cementing force or influence by which a union of any kind is maintained.

A bond or tie. Obsolete. rare.

A connecting part, whether in material or immaterial sense; a thing (occasionally a person) serving to establish or maintain a connection; a member…

A thing that conjoins or unites; a bond or tie. Obsolete. rare.

figurative. A quality, principle, etc., which unites in any way; a bond or means of union.

In specific uses. figurative. A fastening, connection, bond of union.

A bond of union; a tie. Usually figurative.

gen. Something that connects or unites two or more things in some way; a link. (See also 8.)

quasi-concrete. A concatenated series or system, an interdependent or unbroken sequence, a ‘chain’. material.

umbilical cord. The flexible string which attaches the fœtus to the placenta; the navel-string.

In reference to other functions of a thread; esp. as a means of connecting or holding together.

concrete. A bond of union. rare.