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
- band
- bind
- bond
- bracelet
- chain
- cuff(s)
- fetter
- handcuff(s)
- irons
- manacle(s)
- shackle
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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
Recent Examples on the Web Archie was found unconscious at home with a ligature over his head on April 7. Danica Kirka, ajc, 6 Aug. 2022 Loja’s three children, Junior Panjon, 12, Joselyn Panjon, 10, and Jonael Panjon, 5, were killed by homicide by ligature strangulation. Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2022 The hair found in the ligature was consistent with Branch's stepfather, Terry Hobbs, while the hair found on the tree stump was consistent with the DNA of a friend of Hobbs', according to the documents. Steve Almasy, CNN, 23 June 2022 Police believe Diaz Johnston was strangled with a ligature and his body was wrapped in bed linens and dumped in the trash at his home, the probable cause section of search warrants in the case indicate. Jennifer Henderson, CNN, 20 Apr. 2022 Charging documents against Williams said Kamarie died by asphyxiation from a ligature. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 7 Mar. 2022 Charging documents against Williams said Kamarie died by asphyxiation from a ligature. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 7 Mar. 2022 Charging documents against Williams said Kamarie died by asphyxiation from a ligature. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 7 Mar. 2022 She was found had bruises on her face, arm, thigh, ligature marks on her wrists and ankles and burns on parts of her body. Fox News, 9 Mar. 2022 See More
Danica Kirka, ajc, 6 Aug. 2022 Loja’s three children, Junior Panjon, 12, Joselyn Panjon, 10, and Jonael Panjon, 5, were killed by homicide by ligature strangulation. Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2022 The hair found in the ligature was consistent with Branch's stepfather, Terry Hobbs, while the hair found on the tree stump was consistent with the DNA of a friend of Hobbs', according to the documents. Steve Almasy, CNN, 23 June 2022 Police believe Diaz Johnston was strangled with a ligature and his body was wrapped in bed linens and dumped in the trash at his home, the probable cause section of search warrants in the case indicate. Jennifer Henderson, CNN, 20 Apr. 2022 Charging documents against Williams said Kamarie died by asphyxiation from a ligature. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 7 Mar. 2022 Charging documents against Williams said Kamarie died by asphyxiation from a ligature. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 7 Mar. 2022 Charging documents against Williams said Kamarie died by asphyxiation from a ligature. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 7 Mar. 2022 She was found had bruises on her face, arm, thigh, ligature marks on her wrists and ankles and burns on parts of her body. Fox News, 9 Mar. 2022 See More 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
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 2transitive verb
ligatured; ligaturing
: to tie up or bind
ligaturing the blood vessels Veterinary Record
Veterinary Recordligatures
noun
1
as in handcuffs
something that physically prevents free movement the surgeon tied a ligature around the tube to keep it in place Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- handcuffs
- chains
- bracelets
- cuffs
- manacles
- shackles
- binds
- bands
- ties
- bonds
- collars
- fetters
- irons
- constraints
- restraints
- confinements
- traps
- restrictions
- entanglements
- imprisonments
- straitjackets
- hindrances
- captivities
- fasteners
- holdings
- curbs
- trammels
- nets
- incarcerations
- enchainments
- enslavements
- straightjackets
- immurements
- hold-downs
- hobbles
- holds
2
as in links
a uniting or binding force or influence a common language is often the ligature that unites the people of a nation Synonyms & Similar Words
- links
- bonds
- ties
- cords
- connections
- knots
- linkages
- fastenings
- cements
- attachments
- joints
- yokes
- sympathies
- handcuffs
- manacles
- hookups
- restraints
- shackles
- unions
- trammels
- restrictions
- constraints
- fetters
- nexuses
- limits
- nexus
- curbs
- tie-ups
- limitations
- affections
- linkups
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- separations
- partings
- freedoms
- releases
- liberations
- emancipations