[lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd] /ˈlaɪ gənd, ˈlɪg ənd/

Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.
/ˈlɪɡənd; ˈlaɪ-/
(chem) an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom

1952, from Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligare “to bind” (see ligament).

ligand li·gand (lī’gənd, lĭg’ənd)
An ion, a molecule, or a molecular group that binds to another chemical entity to form a larger complex.


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    [lahy-guh n] /ˈlaɪ gən/ noun, Law. 1. . /ˈlaɪɡən/ noun 1. a variant of lagan

  • Ligase

    [lahy-geys, -geyz] /ˈlaɪ geɪs, -geɪz/ noun, Biochemistry. 1. any of a class of enzymes that catalyze the joining of two molecules by formation of a covalent bond accompanied by the hydrolysis of ATP. /ˈlaɪˌɡeɪz/ noun 1. any of a class of enzymes that catalyse the formation of covalent bonds and are important in the synthesis […]

  • Ligate

    [lahy-geyt] /ˈlaɪ geɪt/ verb (used with object), ligated, ligating. 1. to bind with or as if with a ; tie up (a bleeding artery or the like). /ˈlaɪɡeɪt/ verb 1. (transitive) to tie up or constrict (something) with a ligature v. 1590s, from Latin ligatus, past participle of ligare “to bind” (see ligament). Related: Ligated; […]

  • Ligation

