conjugation
conjugation Lexical Profile
conjugation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The variation of the form of a verb in an inflected language to express grammatical categories such as tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, or number, or the complete class of verbs sharing such inflectional patterns.
"Learning the irregular verb conjugations is often the most challenging part of studying a new Romance language."
In biology, the temporary union of two bacterial or unicellular organisms for the direct transfer or exchange of genetic material.
"Antibiotic resistance genes can spread rapidly through a bacterial population via plasmid transfer during conjugation."
In chemistry, a system of connected p-orbitals with delocalized electrons in a molecule, typically characterized by alternating single and multiple bonds that increase molecular stability.
"The extended conjugation in beta-carotene allows the molecule to absorb visible light and gives carrots their bright orange color."
The act of joining or coupling things together, or the state of being united.
"The treatise explored the philosophical conjugation of empirical observation and rational deduction."
Word Nuance & Usage
In grammar, 'conjugation' applies specifically to the inflection of verbs, whereas 'declension' refers to the inflection of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives.
• Rhymes for conjugation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin conjugationem, meaning 'a combining or connecting,' from the verb conjugare ('to join together'), formed from com- ('together') and jugare ('to yoke').