missing link
noun
1
: an absent member needed to complete a series or resolve a problem
2
a
: a hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form between humans and their presumed simian progenitors
b
: a hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form between one animal species or group and its presumed ancestors
a missing link between reptiles and birds
Example Sentences
Police are hopeful that the new evidence will provide the missing links needed to solve the crime. scientists searching for the missing link
Recent Examples on the Web Is there a missing link in today’s enterprise software? 
Lewis Liu, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 This lack of mindfulness about storage has created the missing link and could expose many companies to cyberattacks. Eric Herzog, Forbes, 15 July 2022 To add a dash of chicness to your capsule wardrobe, these Lattelier chain loafers are the missing link. Jacqueline Saguin, Good Housekeeping, 6 July 2022 Astronomers might have found a missing link in black hole evolution. Elizabeth Howell, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 Yet, this robust and flexible financial instrument may just be the missing link to your financial portfolio. Carson Porter, Forbes, 9 June 2022 The Masters remains the only missing link on his majors resume. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 6 Apr. 2022 Improving strength with multi-joint strength movements is a missing link in training for runners. Eric Bach, Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2014 The Masters remains the only missing link on his majors resume. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 6 Apr. 2022 See More
Lewis Liu, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 This lack of mindfulness about storage has created the missing link and could expose many companies to cyberattacks. Eric Herzog, Forbes, 15 July 2022 To add a dash of chicness to your capsule wardrobe, these Lattelier chain loafers are the missing link. Jacqueline Saguin, Good Housekeeping, 6 July 2022 Astronomers might have found a missing link in black hole evolution. Elizabeth Howell, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 Yet, this robust and flexible financial instrument may just be the missing link to your financial portfolio. Carson Porter, Forbes, 9 June 2022 The Masters remains the only missing link on his majors resume. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 6 Apr. 2022 Improving strength with multi-joint strength movements is a missing link in training for runners. Eric Bach, Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2014 The Masters remains the only missing link on his majors resume. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 6 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1
- half bloods
- half board
- half bog soil
- half boot
- half brother
- half cadence
- half cent
- half chronometer
- isometric projection
- isometric system
- isometrically
- isometricals
- isometrics
- isometries
- isometropia
- isometropias
- isometry
- isomorph
- isomorphic
- isomorphically
- isomorphism
- isomorphisms
- isomorphous
- isomorphs
- isomorphy