copula

noun

cop·​u·​la ˈkä-pyə-lə 

: something that connects: such as

a

: the connecting link between subject and predicate of a proposition

b

: linking verb

Word History

Etymology

Latin, bond — more at couple

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

copula

noun

cop·​u·​la ˈkäp-yə-lə 

plural copulas also copulae -ˌlē 

1

: a connecting anatomical structure

2

: sexual union : copulation