繋ぎ

The 連(れん)用(よう)形(けい) (ren'yōkei, “stem or continuative form”) of the verb 繋(つな)ぐ (tsunagu, “connect; bind”).

• IPA^(key):

繋(つな)ぎ • (tsunagi) 

1. a connection, that which connects, an instance of connecting
2. a binding material, binder, a thickener

   山(ヤマ)芋(イモ)をそばの繋(つな)ぎにする

   yamaimo o soba no tsunagi ni suru

   use mountain yam in soba noodles as a binder

3. a stopgap, an interlude, a filler

   繋(つな)ぎにアルバイトをする

   tsunagi ni arubaito o suru

   work part time for the time being

   繋(つな)ぎに会(かい)話(わ)をした。

   Tsunagi ni kaiwa o shita.

   We conversed to fill the time.

4. (clothing) coveralls, overalls, a garment that covers both the upper and lower body
5. (finance) a hedge, a contract or financial position meant to avoid risk

   Synonym: ヘッジ (hejji)

6. (Kabuki) a musical interlude connecting two scenes

繋(つな)ぎ • (tsunagi) 

1. continuative of 繋ぐ