bonded pair

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   Two animals that have formed such a close attachment that they prefer to live together and may suffer if separated.

   Grammar: Used with a: a bonded pair of rabbits.

   Patterns

   • a bonded pair of animals
   • adopt a bonded pair

   The shelter wants to adopt out the two cats as a bonded pair.

   A bonded pair of rabbits grooms each other every day.

   We took home a bonded pair of parakeets.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   In chemistry or electronics, two particles or wires that are joined by a bond or fused together.

   Grammar: Technical use, normally with a technical noun: a bonded pair of electrons.

   Patterns

   • a bonded pair of something

   A bonded pair of electrons forms a covalent bond.

   The cable contains a bonded pair of copper wires.

   The lesson explained how a bonded pair differs from a lone pair.

Word forms

Common combinations

adopt a bonded pair

They hope to adopt a bonded pair of dogs.

bonded pair of rabbits

A bonded pair of rabbits is calmer than a single one.

separate a bonded pair

The rescue refuses to separate a bonded pair.

bonded pair of cats

The bonded pair of cats sleep curled together.

bonded pair of birds

A bonded pair of birds will sit side by side.

Synonyms and how they differ

mated pair

Mated pair means animals that have bred together, while a bonded pair may not breed at all.

companion pair

Companion pair suggests friendship but is less common and less official than bonded pair.

inseparable pair

Inseparable pair is more figurative and can be used for people as well as animals.

Opposites

Word family

bond noun

a close connection between beings

bond verb

to form a close connection

bonded adjective

closely attached

bonding noun

the process of forming a connection

Commonly confused: bonded pair or bonded warehouse?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “bonded pair”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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