Definition of hyphens:
(n) :
The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line.
(v) :
(transitive, dated) To separate or punctuate with a hyphen; to hyphenate.
(n) :
(figuratively) Something which links two things of greater significance than itself.
(n) :
Someone who belongs to a marginalized subgroup, and can therefore described by a hyphenated term, such as "German-American", "female-academic", etc.
(n) :
An enclosed walkway or passage that connects two buildings.