cross-linkage

cross-linkage
    n 1: a side bond that links two adjacent chains of atoms in a
         complex molecule [syn: {cross-link}, {cross-linkage}]
    

cross-linkage \cross-linkage\ n.
   same as {cross-link}, n.
   [WordNet 1.5]
    

cross-link \cross-link\ n. (Chem., Biochem.)
   a covalent bond that links two chains of atoms, or two
   sections of one chain, in a polymeric molecule; the
   cross-link is created by a third bond in a monomer unit in
   addition to the two bonds forming the polymeric chain; -- a
   cross-link may be internal to a single chain, rather than
   between two otherwise unlinked chains; as, ultraviolet
   irradiation creates cross-links between the two chains of a
   DNA double helix; many enzymes have cross-links formed by
   disulfide bonds; polystyrene resins have their porosity
   controlled by the proportion of cross-links. Called also
   {cross-linkage}.

   Syn: cross-linkage.
        [WordNet 1.5]