ligand

[lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd]

noun

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.

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. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for ligand

ligand

noun

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

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for ligand

1952, from Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligare "to bind" (see ligament).

ligand in Medicine

ligand

[lī′gənd, lĭg′ənd]

n.

An ion, a molecule, or a molecular group that binds to another chemical entity to form a larger complex.