binding

[bahyn-ding]

noun

1. the act of fastening, securing, uniting, or the like.

2. anything that binds.

3. the covering within which the leaves of a book are bound. bound.

4. a strip of material that protects or decorates the edge of a tablecloth, rug, etc.

5. Skiing.,  a mechanical device on a ski, usually made of metal, that fastens the boot securely to the ski.

adjective

1. that binds; restrictive.

2. having power to bind or oblige; obligatory.

   a binding promise.

binding

/ ˈbaɪndɪŋ /

noun

1. anything that binds or fastens

2. the covering within which the pages of a book are bound

3. the material or tape used for binding hems, etc

adjective

1. imposing an obligation or duty

   a binding promise

2. causing hindrance; restrictive

Other Word Forms

• bindingly adverb
• bindingness noun
• nonbinding adjective
• nonbindingly adverb
• nonbindingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of binding¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; bind, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

These recommendations -- which are not legally binding -- are due to come into effect on Wednesday.

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He was pleased with himself because he had just finished writing a report and was binding it into a folder and adding tabs.

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Predictably, those vessels break open so his grey flesh can supernaturally merge into a foul lump of distorted features and tentacles, binding Lilly while a creepy voice asks, “Got a kiss for daddy?”

Read more on Salon

The enhanced clustering directly results from the higher matter density, which amplifies gravitational binding.

Read more on Science Daily

"By contrast, small-molecule drugs that are designed to cross the blood-brain barrier are hydrophobic in nature, which limits their bioavailability, increases the risk of off-target binding, and is linked to side effects."

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• conclusive 
• irrevocable 
• mandatory 
• required www.thesaurus.com