Medical Dictionary
Main Entry:
re·la·tion Pronunciation:
ri-'lA-sh&n Function:
noun 1 : an aspect or quality (as resemblance or causality) thatconnects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together, as being of the same kind, or as being logically connected
relation between theuse of tobacco and lung cancer —Current Biography> relation of time and space>
2 : the attitude or stance which two or more persons or groupsassume toward one another relations>
3 a : the state of being mutually or reciprocally interested (as in social matters) b relations pl : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE relations had occurred —Newsweek> —re·la·tion·al /-&l/ adjective