definition of
affiliation

[1] #1 affiliation n. [association, tie, tie-up] a social or business relationship; "a valuable financial affiliation"; "he was sorry he had to sever his ties with other members of the team"; "many close associations with England". wn

[2] #2 affiliation n. the act of becoming formally connected or joined; "welcomed the affiliation of the research center with the university". wn