| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. |
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| alliance |
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| SYLLABICATION: | al·li·ance |
| PRONUNCIATION: |   -l  ns |
| NOUN: | 1a. A close association of nations or other groups, formed to advance common interests or causes: an alliance of labor unions opposing the bill. b. A formal agreement establishing such an association, especially an international treaty of friendship. 2. A connection based on kinship, marriage, or common interest; a bond or tie: the shifting alliances within a large family. 3. Close similarity in nature or type; affinity: the ancient alliance between mathematics and music. 4. The act of becoming allied or the condition of being allied: the church, acting in alliance with community groups. | | ETYMOLOGY: | Middle English, from Old French aliance, from alier, to ally. See ally.
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| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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