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
Horace Bushnell2
: 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
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of ligature was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near ligature
Cite this Entry
“Ligature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ligature. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
ligature
noun
lig·a·ture
ˈlig-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
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
Veterinary Record
More from Merriam-Webster on ligature
Nglish: Translation of ligature for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ligature for Arabic Speakers
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