relations definition | Dictionary.com

re⋅la⋅tion

[ri-ley-shuh

–noun

1.	an existing connection; a significant association between or among things: the relation between cause and effect.

relations,

a.	the various connections between peoples, countries, etc.: foreign relations.

b.	the various connections in which persons are brought together: business and social relations.

c.	sexual intercourse.

3.	the mode or kind of connection between one person and another, between an individual and God, etc.

4.	connection between persons by blood or marriage.

5.	a person who is related by blood or marriage; relative: his wife's relations.

6.	the act of relating, narrating, or telling; narration.

7.	Law. a principle whereby effect is given to an act done at one time as if it had been done at a previous time.

Mathematics.

a.	a property that associates two quantities in a definite order, as equality or inequality.

b.	a single- or multiple-valued function.

—Idiom

9.	in or with relation to, with reference to; concerning: It's best to plan with relation to anticipated changes in one's earnings.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME relacion < L relātiōn- (s. of relātiō). See relate, -ion

Related forms:

re⋅la⋅tion⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
1. relationship; tie, link. 2a, b. association. 4. relationship, kinship. 6. recitation, recital, description.

Antonyms:
1. independence.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Link To relations

re·la·tion (rĭ-lā'shən)

A logical or natural association between two or more things; relevance of one to another; connection: the relation between smoking and heart disease.
The connection of people by blood or marriage; kinship.
A person connected to another by blood or marriage; a relative.
The way in which one person or thing is connected with another: the relation of parent to child.
relations
1. The mutual dealings or connections of persons, groups, or nations in social, business, or diplomatic matters: international relations.
2. Sexual intercourse.
3. The act of telling or narrating.
4. A narrative; an account.
Reference; regard: in relation to your inquiry.
1. The act of telling or narrating.
2. A narrative; an account.
Law The principle whereby an act done at a later date is considered to have been done on a prior date.

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