connective

[kuh-nek-tiv]

adjective

1. serving or tending to connect.

   connective remarks between chapters.

noun

1. something that connects.

2. Grammar.,  a word used to connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences, as a conjunction.

3. Botany.,  the tissue joining the two cells of the anther.

connective

/ ˌkɒnɛkˈtɪvɪtɪ, kəˈnɛktɪv /

adjective

1. serving to connect or capable of connecting

noun

1. a thing that connects

2. grammar logic

   1. a less common word for conjunction

   2. any word that connects phrases, clauses, or individual words

   3. a symbol used in a formal language in the construction of compound sentences from simpler sentences, corresponding to terms such as or, and, not, etc, in ordinary speech

3. botany the tissue of a stamen that connects the two lobes of the anther

4. anatomy a nerve-fibre bundle connecting two nerve centres

Other Word Forms

• connectively adverb
• connectivity noun
• nonconnective adjective
• nonconnectively adverb
• nonconnectivity noun
• preconnective adjective
• quasi-connective adjective
• quasi-connectively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of connective¹

First recorded in 1645–55; connect + -ive

Example Sentences

They’re a captivating trio that one wishes had been given more challenging connective tissue than the loose narrative grid of “Love, Brooklyn.”

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout the summer, the Glassell Park nonprofit will feature workshops from artists who have grown in tandem with the center and create new connective experiences.

From Los Angeles Times

Luce said she sees the new foundation as “the connective tissue between scholars and important collections globally.”

From Los Angeles Times

Their creative practice explores the complexities of identity, queerness, culture and art to establish shared connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout every Dora series and film, courage is the connective tissue in her story.

From Los Angeles Times