ligature

noun

lig·​a·​ture ˈli-gə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtu̇r,

-ˌtyu̇r

1

a

: something that is used to bind

specifically : a filament (such as a thread) used in surgery

b

: something that unites or connects : bond

having no ligature of race or family affection to bind them together

—Horace Bushnell

2

: the action of binding or tying

the ligature of an artery

3

: a compound note in mensural notation indicating a group of musical notes to be sung to one syllable

4

: a printed or written character (such as æ or ff) consisting of two or more letters or characters joined together

Synonyms

• band
• bind
• bond
• bracelet
• chain
• cuff(s)
• fetter
• handcuff(s)
• irons
• manacle(s)
• shackle

Examples of ligature in a Sentence

the surgeon tied a ligature around the tube to keep it in place

a common language is often the ligature that unites the people of a nation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin ligatura, from Latin ligatus, past participle of ligare to bind, tie; akin to Albanian lidh I tie

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

ligature

noun

lig·​a·​ture ˈlig-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: a binding or tying of something

2

: something that binds or connects : band, bond

3

: a thread used in surgery especially for tying blood vessels

Medical Definition

ligature

1 of 2 noun

lig·​a·​ture ˈlig-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

1

: something that is used to bind

specifically : a filament (as a thread) used in surgery (as for tying blood vessels)

2

: the action or result of binding or tying

the ligature of an artery

ligature

2 of 2 transitive verb

ligatured; ligaturing

: to tie up or bind

ligaturing the blood vessels

—Veterinary Record