Single linkage method

One of the methods used in selecting a clustering procedure in cluster analysis. This method is based on minimum distance or the nearest neighbor rule. The first two objects clustered are those that have the smallest distance between them. The next shortest distance is identified, and either the third is clustered with the first two, or a new two-object cluster is formed. At every stage, the distance between two clusters is the distance between the two closest points. This process is continued until all objects are in one cluster.