ligand
[lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd]
- 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.
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Compare complexing agent.
Origin of ligand
1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
ligand
- chem an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom
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Word Origin for ligand
C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for ligand
1952, from Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligare "to bind" (see ligament).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
ligand
(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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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.