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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
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. 2022
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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.