Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - relationship

 noun  Date: 1741  1. the state of being related or interrelated studied the ~ between the variables  2. the relation connecting or binding participants in a ~: as  a. kinship  b. a specific instance or type of kinship  3.  a. a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings had a good ~ with his family  b. a romantic or passionate attachment