From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
joining
n : the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for
communication); "the joining of hands around the table";
"there was a connection via the internet" [syn:
connection, connexion]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Join \Join\ (join), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Joined (joind); p. pr.
& vb. n. Joining.] [OE. joinen, joignen, F. joindre, fr. L.
jungere to yoke, bind together, join; akin to jugum yoke. See
Yoke, and cf. Conjugal, Junction, Junta.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To bring together, literally or figuratively; to place in
contact; to connect; to couple; to unite; to combine; to
associate; to add; to append.
[1913 Webster]
Woe unto them that join house to house. --Is. v. 8.
[1913 Webster]
Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn
Like twenty torches joined. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Thy tuneful voice with numbers join. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
2. To associate one's self to; to be or become connected
with; to league one's self with; to unite with; as, to
join a party; to join the church.
[1913 Webster]
We jointly now to join no other head. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
3. To unite in marriage.
[1913 Webster]
He that joineth his virgin in matrimony. --Wyclif.
[1913 Webster]
What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder. --Matt. xix.
6.
[1913 Webster]
4. To enjoin upon; to command. [Obs. & R.]
[1913 Webster]
They join them penance, as they call it. --Tyndale.
[1913 Webster]
5. To accept, or engage in, as a contest; as, to join
encounter, battle, issue. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
6. To meet with and accompany; as, we joined them at the
restaurant.
[PJC]
7. To combine with (another person) in performing some
activity; as, join me in welcoming our new president.
[PJC]
To join battle, To join issue. See under Battle,
Issue.
Syn: To add; annex; unite; connect; combine; consociate;
couple; link; append. See Add.
[1913 Webster]