ligand

[lahy-guhnd, lig-uhnd]

noun

1. Biochemistry.,  a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.

2. Chemistry.,  a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.

ligand

/ ˈlaɪ-, ˈlɪɡənd /

noun

1. chem an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

The key is the ligand — that’s the general word for whatever chemical messenger or signaling molecule attaches to the receptor, activating it.

Read more on Salon

A few questions remain, such as the specific ligand that should be used for human transplantation and the longevity of Treg-mediated immune protection.

Read more on Science Daily

HydF plays a role during the synthesis of a ligand that is essential for the delivery of protons for hydrogen turnover.

Read more on Science Daily

This work was primarily co-sponsored by DOE's Office of Science for ligand synthesis, lanthanide complexation studies, crystallization processes, spectroscopic analyses and simulation efforts.

Read more on Science Daily

GalNAc conjugate therapies, which attach siRNA molecules to the ligand to deliver therapies inside cells, are already on the market for conditions such as hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Read more on Science Daily