Connection

Connection is the act or state of linking two or more entities to enable interaction, transfer, or relation. A connection can be physical, such as a pipe joining components, a wire linking circuits, or a joint in a mechanism, or abstract, such as a causal link between events or a social bond between people.

In engineering and technology, a connection ensures continuity or alignment. Electrical and electronic connections carry current or signals; mechanical joints hold parts in place; and optical links transmit light. In computing and networks, a connection represents a data path that can be established, maintained, and terminated, and may be wired or wireless and described as connection-oriented or connectionless.

In biology and neuroscience, connections include anatomical links such as synapses and blood vessels, as well as functional networks formed by these links. In social life, a connection denotes a relationship or sense of understanding between people, including friendships, family ties, and professional networks. Strong connections support cooperation and well-being, while weak ones can hinder collaboration and resilience.

In philosophy and everyday discourse, connections express causality, correlation, or relevance among ideas and events. The concept also appears in information theory and data analysis to describe the association between variables. Across domains, connection centers on linkage, interaction, and the dependencies that bind components, systems, and communities.