cou·pling 
/ˈkʌplɪŋ/ noun
plural cou·plings /ˈkʌplɪŋ/ noun [count] 1 : a device that connects two parts or things
▪ hose couplings [=couplers] ▪ the couplings between railroad cars 2 formal : the act of having sex
▪ erotic/illicit couplings 3 : the act of combining two things
▪ a/the coupling of literature and science
▪ hose couplings [=couplers] ▪ the couplings between railroad cars
▪ erotic/illicit couplings
▪ a/the coupling of literature and science
