You hear the word merger a lot these days. So to clarify, here are the many meanings:

1. To merge – as into traffic. Necessary to freeway on-ramps. Often mistaken for yield by little old ladies in Buicks with AAA bumper stickers. Honk politely.

2. To marry – join in union because of love and extreme compatibility. The goal is often to grow the union. (i.e. have some kids, procreate, expand).

3. To cover up or stave off failure. Typically the phrase “achieving economies of scale” accompanies the marketing message announcing this type of merger.

Don’t confuse them.