ligand
Americannoun
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Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
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Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.
noun
Etymology
Origin of ligand
1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This arrangement created an octacoordinate ligand environment, giving the scientists a way to fine-tune the positions of the metals.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026
By examining evolutionary relationships between uracil sensors and related sensory domains, the team found that ligand specificity can change relatively easily over time.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 8, 2026
"I'm excited to see the ligand design pay off in such a meaningful way," said Wedal.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 3, 2026
The key is the ligand — that’s the general word for whatever chemical messenger or signaling molecule attaches to the receptor, activating it.
From Salon ● Jan. 24, 2025
The ligand or tag must be inert and have no negative impact on the function of the cells or create any reaction that could cause side effects.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
