Linkage

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Catenation is the linkage of atoms of the same element into longer chains. Catenation occurs most readily in carbon , which forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms to form longer chains and structures. This is the reason for the presence of the vast ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Catenation \Cat`e*na"tion\, n. [L. catenatio.] Connection of links or union of parts, as in a chain; a regular or connected series. See Concatenation . --Sir T. Browne.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 The act or process of catenate. 2 (context chemistry English) The ability of a few elements, most especially carbon, to yield chains and rings by forming covalent bonds with atoms of the same element.