Affiliation
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of becoming formally connected or joined
"Welcomed the affiliation of the research center with the university"
(2) A social or business relationship
"A valuable financial affiliation"
"He was sorry he had to sever his ties with other members of the team"
"Many close associations with England"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From affiliatio, noun of action from verb affiliare, affiliate, from aff-, combining form of ad, to, + filiare, verb formed from filius, son
Noun
- The relationship resulting from affiliating one thing with another.
- A club, society or umbrella organisation so formed, esp. a trade union.