Ligature

Quick meaning: Ligature is a noun meaning (uncountable) The act of tying or binding something.

Meaning

(uncountable) The act of tying or binding something.

More Meanings

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

Example Sentences

anti-ligature clothing

the ligature of a joint

He hid shoelaces or rope under cushions to use as ligatures.

The Roman epic poet Vergil refers to the incapacitating effects of ligatures, while Ovid, the erotic poet, admits the power of such spell-bindings.

Word Forms

• ligatures
• ligaturing
• ligatured

Synonyms for ligature

Depending on context, synonyms include binder.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include binder, ligation, tubal, connected, binding, tying.

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