ligand

[ lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd ]

/ ˈlaɪ gənd, ˈlɪg ənd /

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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transliterate

to remove or destroy all traces of.

to change (letters, words, etc.), into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language.

to explain in terms that can be more easily understood.

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Compare complexing agent.

Origin of ligand

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

Words nearby ligand

ligament of head of femur, ligamentopexis, ligamentous, ligamentum, ligan, ligand, ligase, ligate, ligation, ligature, ligeance

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

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

Medical definitions for ligand

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.