liaison

li-ai-son · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Communication or cooperation between people or organizations that enables them to work together effectively.

  2. 2.

    A person who acts as a link to assist communication between groups.

  3. 3.

    A secret or illicit romantic or sexual relationship.

  4. 4.

    (linguistics) The pronunciation of a normally silent consonant at the end of a word when the next word begins with a vowel (especially in French).

Forms

plural: liaisons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    liaison officer — a person who facilitates communication between organizations
  • •
    military liaison — a representative connecting military units or allied forces
  • •
    dangerous liaison — a risky or improper romantic relationship

Related words

Antonyms: disconnection, separation
See also: affair, connection, contact, coordinator, intermediary
Synonyms: affair, connection, contact, link

Etymology

From French liaison ("bond, connection"), from lier ("to bind"), from Latin ligare ("to bind"). The word was borrowed directly from French in the 17th century, initially referring to a thickening agent in cooking before developing its other meanings.