Definition of "affine" in English

adjective

1. (not comparable, mathematics) Assigning finite values to finite quantities.

2. (not comparable, geometry) Of or pertaining to a function expressible as f(⃑x)=A⃑x+⃑b (where A is a linear transformation and ⃑b is a constant), which, regarded as a transformation, maps parallel lines to parallel lines and finite points to finite points.

3. (comparable, chemistry) Of two materials, having mutual affinity.

noun

1. (anthropology, genealogy) A relative by marriage.

   • 1970 [Routledge and Kegan Paul], Raymond Firth, Jane Hubert, Anthony Forge, Families and Their Relatives: Kinship in a Middle-Class Sector of London, 2006, Taylor & Francis (Routledge), page 135, The element of personal idiosyncracy may be expected to be most marked in regard to affines (i.e. those related by marriage) and particularly with the consanguines of affines, who are linked by still more tenuous bonds. There are many possible degrees of affinal relationship here, but broadly affines separate into two main types: spouse of consanguine of Ego, and consanguine of spouse of Ego—exemplified by my brother's wife, and my wife's brother.

verb

1. (transitive) To refine.

2. (computing, transitive) To set the CPU affinity of something