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ligand

American

[lahy-guhnd, lig-uhnd] / 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.

ligand British

/ ˈlɪɡənd, ˈlaɪ- /

noun

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

"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

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.

See Examples For:

ligand

During infections, the body naturally produces this ligand, but cancer cells do not.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2025

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

The ligand or tag must be inert and have no negative impact on the function of the cells or create any reaction that could cause side effects.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024

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

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023