In psychology an interpersonal bond of interest, concern, or affection.
A way in which someone or something is connected to another.
A meaningful association between people, such as friends or members of one’s family.
The suffix-ship indicates a genetic association, but it is commonly misused to denote a mere connection. In the field of microbiology, relationships between organisms are mostly assumed, and only a few, like the connection between Escherichia, Shigella, and Salmonella, are actually confirmed. The degree of relatedness between organisms can vary, with close relatedness being observed when genetic material can be transferred to produce forms that inherit the characteristics of both parents. Conversely, in other cases, transfer of non-nuclear material may reveal a less close relatedness.