a·lign·ment

[uh-lahyn-muhnt]
noun
1.
an adjustment to a line; arrangement in a straight line.
2.
the line or lines so formed.
3.
the proper adjustment of the components of an electronic circuit, machine, etc., for coordinated functioning: The front wheels of the car are out of alignment.
4.
a state of agreement or cooperation among persons, groups, nations, etc., with a common cause or viewpoint.
5.
a ground plan of a railroad or highway.
6.
Archaeology. a line or an arrangement of parallel or converging lines of upright stones or menhirs.
Also, alinement.


Origin:
1780–90; align + -ment; replacing earlier alignement < French

non·a·line·ment, noun
re·a·lign·ment, noun
self-a·lign·ment, noun
self-a·line·ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To alignment
00:10
Alignment is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Collins
World English Dictionary
alignment (əˈlaɪnmənt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  arrangement in a straight line
2.  the line or lines formed in this manner
3.  alliance or union with a party, cause, etc
4.  proper or desirable coordination or relation of components
5.  a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc
6.  archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance
7.  psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group
8.  psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

alignment
1790, from Fr. alignement, M.Fr. from aligner (see align)
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
They are drawn to the specific focus of the program and the alignment of their
  chosen program with their career goals.
He disdained the fastidious and perfectionist alignment of postures that some
  of his rivals practised in chilly yoga studios.
In case the alignment is not right, the cycle gets advanced or postponed till
  the right alignment.
It is appropriate to see a dentist or orthodontist to treat abnormal alignment
  of the jaw and teeth.
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