Word: Ligation
Part of Speech: Noun
Basic Explanation: Ligation is a medical term that refers to the process of tying off a duct, blood vessel, or other tubular structure in the body. This is often done during surgery to stop bleeding or to block the flow of fluids.
In more advanced medical discussions, you might encounter terms like "tubal ligation," which refers specifically to a procedure where the fallopian tubes are tied to prevent pregnancy.
While "ligation" primarily refers to a surgical procedure, the term can also be used in legal contexts to refer to binding agreements or contracts, though this usage is less common.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "ligation." However, you might hear phrases like "tie off," which can refer to the act of ligation in surgery.
In summary, "ligation" is a specialized term used in the medical field to describe the action of tying off blood vessels or ducts during surgery to prevent bleeding or to block fluid flow.