connecteur

Connecteur is a term used to describe a device or element that links two components or systems. In technology, it refers to a connector that establishes a physical or electrical link between parts, enabling transmission of power, data, or signals. In linguistics, connecteurs (connectives) are words or phrases that join clauses or sentences to express relationships such as cause, contrast, or sequence.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin con- “together” and nectere “to bind,” passing through French as connecteur. The English cognate is connector.

Types and usage: Electrical and electronic connectors include USB, HDMI, RJ45, SATA, and D-sub connectors, as well as circular and blade-style interfaces. Fiber-optic connectors such as SC, LC, and ST join optical fibers and help maintain signal integrity. Mechanical connectors cover fasteners, pins, and quick-release fittings that physically join components. In computing, connectors also refer to sockets and plugs on boards, peripherals, and cables that enable modular assembly.

Linguistic usage: In grammar and discourse analysis, connecteurs or discourse connectives link sentences and clauses to indicate relationships, such as addition (and, moreover), contrast (but, however), cause (because), or sequence (then, after).

See also: Connector (general), Electrical connector, Fiber-optic connector, Discourse marker, Conjunction.