ligate

verb

li·​gate ˈlī-ˌgāt How to pronounce ligate (audio)
lī-ˈgāt
ligated; ligating

transitive verb

1
: to tie with a ligature
2
: to join together (something, such as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process

Examples of ligate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Imagine how your leg would function if all the branches of the femoral artery were ligated. WSJ, 11 July 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin ligatus

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ligate was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near ligate

Cite this Entry

“Ligate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ligate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

ligate

transitive verb
ligated; ligating
1
: to tie with a ligature
2
: to join together (as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process
the DNA fragments were enzymatically ligated

More from Merriam-Webster on ligate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!