ligand
Americannoun
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Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
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Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.
noun
Etymology
Origin of ligand
1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The chiral ligand directs the three dimensional configuration of the product, while the achiral bidentate ligand enhances catalytic performance.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 27, 2026
During infections, the body naturally produces this ligand, but cancer cells do not.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2026
The key is the ligand — that’s the general word for whatever chemical messenger or signaling molecule attaches to the receptor, activating it.
From Salon ● Jan. 24, 2025
A few questions remain, such as the specific ligand that should be used for human transplantation and the longevity of Treg-mediated immune protection.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024
GalNAc conjugate therapies, which attach siRNA molecules to the ligand to deliver therapies inside cells, are already on the market for conditions such as hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
