coupling
/ˈkʌplɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkʌplɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkə-pliŋ (usual for sense 2) -pə-liŋ/ (ame, mw)
coupling — 名詞
- couplingsingular
- couplingsplural
1. a part used to fasten two sections of equipment, pipes, or vehicles so they stay
接頭；聯結器
連接器材、管線或車輛的零件
a part used to fasten two sections of equipment, pipes, or vehicles so they stay connected and can move or work together.
The mechanic replaced the broken coupling between the train cars before dawn.
技工在天亮前更換了火車車廂之間壞掉的接頭。
coupling between two vehicles or machine parts
Water dripped from the loose coupling under the kitchen sink.
水從廚房水槽下方鬆掉的接頭滴了出來。
Engineers tested a stronger coupling for the farm machine's rotating shaft.
工程師為這台農業機械的旋轉軸測試了一種更堅固的聯結器。
The trailer came free when its coupling pin snapped on the highway.
那輛拖車的接頭銷在公路上斷掉後，整個拖車鬆脫了。
文法句型
a coupling between A and B
replace / tighten / fit a coupling
用法筆記
Usually refers to a physical connector in rail, plumbing, automotive, or machine contexts. Distinct from sense 2 because this sense names the actual part, not the process or relationship of joining.
2. the process or result of linking two systems, ideas, or activities so that they
結合；連動
兩個系統或活動緊密接在一起
the process or result of linking two systems, ideas, or activities so that they work together or strongly affect each other.
The coupling of the two software systems cut office work in half.
這兩套軟體系統的結合，讓辦公室作業量減少了一半。
the coupling of A and B
Researchers studied the coupling between brain signals and hand movement.
研究人員分析了腦部訊號與手部動作之間的連動。
coupling between two related processes
The city's new bus pass depends on the coupling of bus and rail tickets.
這座城市的新公車通票仰賴公車票與鐵路票的結合。
Closer coupling with local farms helped the restaurant buy fresher food.
和在地農場更緊密的連動，讓這家餐廳能買到更新鮮的食材。
- connection
broader and more neutral; coupling often suggests a tighter or designed link.
- linkage
often used in policy or organizational writing for connected parts.
- integration
stresses combining into one working whole, often more fully than coupling.
- separation
keeps two systems or activities apart.
- decoupling
specifically means reducing or removing the link between parts.
文法句型
the coupling of A and B
coupling between A and B
close coupling with A
用法筆記
Often used in technical, business, or policy writing for a close link between parts of a larger system. Distinct from sense 1 because no physical part is implied; the focus is on the connection itself or on how tightly two things interact.
3. sexual contact or breeding union, especially when animals are brought together t
交配；性交
正式指性行為或繁殖配對
sexual contact or breeding union, especially when animals are brought together to produce young, mainly in biological or other formal writing.
The vet recorded the horses' coupling dates in the breeding log.
獸醫把這些馬匹的交配日期記在繁殖紀錄簿裡。
formal breeding record use
Successful coupling usually happens soon after the female moth leaves the cocoon.
成功的交配通常會發生在雌蛾離開繭後不久。
The scientist noted a short period of coupling before the birds returned to the reeds.
科學家記下了一小段交配過程，接著那些鳥便飛回蘆葦叢。
The report says successful coupling is rare in captivity.
報告指出，成功交配在圈養環境中相當少見。
- mating
the more usual word for animals in everyday and educational writing.
- copulation
more clinical and strongly tied to biological description.
- sexual union
formal phrase often used in medical or legal discussion.
文法句型
successful coupling
a period of coupling
coupling in captivity
用法筆記
Mostly seen in biology, veterinary work, or very formal writing. In everyday English, people usually say have sex for humans and mating for animals instead.