Answer: linking

AnswerCrossword Clue
LINKINGLike some verbs
LINKINGJoining.
LINKINGConnecting.
linkingConnecting or joining something to something else
linkingDenoting a consonant that is sounded at a boundary between two words or morphemes where two vowels would otherwise be adjacent, as in law(r) and order
linkingLINK, to connect (to join together)