Ligature

/ˈlɪɡət͡ʃɚ/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) The act of tying or binding something..

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

anti-ligature clothing

I likewiſe felt ſeveral ſlender Ligatures acroſs my Body, from my Armpits to my Thighs. I could only look upwards, the Sun began to grow hot, and the Light offended mine Eyes.

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

the ligature of a joint

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

Synonyms for ligature

Antonyms for ligature

Related Words

Word Forms

• ligatures
• ligaturing
• ligatured

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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