ligature

Meaning

Noun

1. (uncountable) The act of tying or binding something.
2. (countable) A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.
3. (countable, uncountable) A thread or wire used to remove tumours, etc.
4. (countable, uncountable) The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness.
5. (countable) A character that visually combines multiple letters, such as æ, œ, ß or ij; also logotype. Sometimes called a typographic ligature.
6. (countable) A group of notes played as a phrase, or the curved line that indicates such a phrase.
7. (countable, uncountable) A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
8. (countable) A piece used to hold a reed to the mouthpiece on woodwind instruments.
9. (countable, uncountable) Any binding, uniting, or restraining principle or agency.
10. (countable, uncountable) A spell or charm that induces sexual impotence.

Verb

To ligate; to tie.

Synonyms

tie

bandage

bond

tying

binding

binder

dressing

attachment

band

bandaging

bind

clinch

conjunction

coupling

affiliation

ligament

ligate

ligation

link

🔗

hookup

junction

knot

🪢

alliance

vinculum

book binding

double letter

link up

login

nexus

roller bandage

spanning

splice

swathe

syndication

take-up

tap

bondage

brace

association

tie up

connection

tie-up

tourniquet

fastening

Translations

ligature

Ligatur

legatura

ligadura

ligatuur

toebinden

δεσμός

Unterbindung

ligatura

Doppelbuchstabe

afbinden

δένω

Binde

ربطة

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈlɪɡət͡ʃɚ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: ligature

In summary

From Middle English ligature, from Middle French ligature, from Late Latin ligātūra, from Latin ligātus, past participle of ligāre (“to tie, bind”).