a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations (尤指国家或组织之间的)联盟,联合 a defensive alliance between Australia and New Zealand. 澳新军事防御联盟。 divisions within the alliance. 联盟中的分歧。 ■a relationship based on an affinity in interests, nature, or qualities (以利益、本性或品质为基础的)联系,结合 an alliance between medicine and morality. 医药与品德的结合。 ■[mass noun]a state of being joined or associated 联系 his party is in alliance with the Greens. 他的党派与格林家族紧密关联。 ■(Alliance)used in names of political parties formed by the combination or association of separate parties 联盟 ■(Ecology)a group of closely related plant associations (生态)群落属
语源
Middle English : from Old French aliance, from alier 'to ally' (see ally)