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.

Nearby words

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

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

/ (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

Medicine 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.