a·lign·ment (?-l?n?m?nt)n.1. Arrangement or position in a straight line or in parallel lines.2. a. The process of adjusting parts so that they are in proper relative position: A set of gears needs periodic alignment.b. The condition of having parts so adjusted: Binocular lenses that are out of alignment will yield a double image.3. A ground plan: Blueprints for the building included an alignment and a profile.4. The act of aligning or the condition of being aligned.5. An arrangement or alliance of groups: a new alignment of factions in the party.6. Sports a. An arrangement or positioning of players: a defensive alignment.b. The grouping or positioning of teams, as in a conference or league.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.alignment (??la?nm?nt) n1. arrangement in a straight line2. the line or lines formed in this manner3. alliance or union with a party, cause, etc4. proper or desirable coordination or relation of components5. (General Engineering) a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc6. (Archaeology) archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance7. (Psychology) psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group8. (Psychology) psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another personCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014a?lign?ment (??la?n m?nt) n. 1. an adjustment to a line; arrangement in a straight line. 2. the line or lines so formed. 3. the proper adjustment of the components of an electronic circuit, machine, etc., for coordinated functioning: rear-wheel alignment. 4. a state of agreement or cooperation among persons, groups, nations, etc.: an alignment of political parties. 5. a ground plan of a railroad or highway. [1780?90] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.alignment1. The bearing of two or more conspicuous objects (such as lights, beacons, etc.) as seen by an observer.2. Representation of a road, railway, etc., on a map or chart in relation to surrounding topographic detail.Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.