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ligand

[ lahy-guhnd, lig-uhnd ]
/ ˈlaɪ gənd, ˈlɪg ənd /
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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.
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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. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for ligand

ligand
/ (ˈlɪɡənd, ˈlaɪ-) /

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
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