ligand

[lahy-guhnd, lig-uhnd]

noun

1. Biochemistry.,  a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.

2. Chemistry.,  a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.

ligand

/ ˈlaɪ-, ˈlɪɡənd /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

To fine-tune the behavior of the complex, the researchers combined manganese with a ligand that adjusts its electronic properties.

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Similar to traditional palladium-based catalysis, the behavior of photoexcited palladium catalysts is highly dependent on the phosphine ligand attached to the metal.

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They expand clonally instead, aided by KIT ligand signals released from surrounding tissue and the epidermis.

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The key is the ligand — that’s the general word for whatever chemical messenger or signaling molecule attaches to the receptor, activating it.

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A few questions remain, such as the specific ligand that should be used for human transplantation and the longevity of Treg-mediated immune protection.

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