ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈli-gə-mənt 

1

: a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place

2

: a connecting or unifying bond

the law of nations, the great ligament of mankind

—Edmund Burke

ligamentous

ˌli-gə-ˈmen-təs 

adjective

Examples of ligament in a Sentence

He sprained ligaments in his knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

This protein builds skin, bone, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues and is also crucial for protecting the body’s organs among other biological roles. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024

It was initially thought that O'Connell suffered a ligament injury to his knee, but further testing revealed that the Vegas organization got a lucky break. —Valentina Martinez, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

The preseason game in 2021 when two Washington defenders sandwiched him on a tackle and bent his knee and tore two ligaments. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

Widening feet and changes in foot size As women age, the ligaments and tendons in the feet may loosen, causing the feet to spread or widen. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin ligamentum, from Latin, band, tie, from ligare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ligament

• anterior cruciate ligament
• cruciate ligament
• medial collateral ligament
• posterior cruciate ligament
• suspensory ligament
• ulnar collateral ligament
• ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

Kids Definition

ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈlig-ə-mənt 

: a tough band of tissue that holds bones together or keeps an organ in place in the body

Etymology

Middle English ligament "connecting tissue, ligament," derived from Latin ligamentum "band, something used for tying," from ligare "to bind, tie" — related to ally

Medical Definition

ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈlig-ə-mənt 

1

: a tough band of tissue that serves to connect the articular extremities of bones or to support or retain an organ in place and is usually composed of coarse bundles of dense white fibrous tissue parallel or closely interlaced, pliant, and flexible, but not extensible

2

: any of various folds or bands of pleura, peritoneum, or mesentery connecting parts or organs