Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of tying or binding things together: "ligature" refers to the action of fastening or securing objects with a tie or bond.
   • Something used to tie or bind: A "ligature" is a physical object, such as a cord, band, or thread, used for tying.
   • Thread used by surgeons to bind a vessel: In medicine, a "ligature" is a suture or thread used to tie off a blood vessel to constrict blood flow.
   • A metal band used to attach a reed: In music, specifically for clarinets or saxophones, a "ligature" is a metal clamp that holds the reed to the mouthpiece.
   • Character consisting of combined letters: In typography, a "ligature" is a single character formed by the combination of two or more letters (e.g., "æ" or "fi").
   • A group of notes connected by a slur: In musical notation, a "ligature" can denote a group of notes sung or played smoothly together under a single slur.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ligature of the two ropes created a strong connection. (The act of tying the two ropes together created a strong connection.)
  • He used a silk ligature to bind the ancient manuscript. (He used a silk tie to bind the ancient manuscript.)
  • The surgeon applied a ligature to the artery. (The surgeon applied a tying thread to the artery.)
  • Adjusting the saxophone ligature can change the instrument's tone. (Adjusting the reed clamp on the saxophone can change the instrument's tone.)
  • The font uses the "æ" ligature for aesthetic appeal. (The font uses the combined "a" and "e" character for aesthetic appeal.)
  • The vocal phrase was marked with a ligature over the four notes. (The vocal phrase was marked with a slur connecting the four notes.)

Advanced Usage

• "In ligature": In a state of being bound or tied.

  • The bundles were held in ligature with strong twine. (The bundles were held in a bound state with strong twine.)

• "Ligature point" (Safety/Medical context): A point where a cord or tie can be fastened, often discussed in risk assessment.

  • The safety audit identified potential ligature points in the room. (The safety audit identified points where a tie could be fastened in the room.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ligate (verb): To tie with a ligature, especially in a surgical context.

  • The surgeon will ligate the vessel to prevent bleeding.

• Ligation (noun): The process of tying, especially the surgical act of tying off a vessel.

  • The procedure involves the ligation of the fallopian tubes.

Synonyms

• Bond: Something that binds or restrains.
• Fastening: A device that closes or secures something.
• Tie: A cord or similar item used for fastening.
• Bind: To tie or secure tightly.

Related Phrases

• "Apply a ligature": To put a tie or binding in place.

  • The first step is to apply a ligature below the incision.

• "Ligature mark" (Forensic context): A mark on the skin left by a cord or binding.

  • The autopsy revealed ligature marks on the neck.

Noun

1. the act of tying or binding things together
2. something used to tie or bind
3. thread used by surgeons to bind a vessel (as to constrict the flow of blood)
4. a metal band used to attach a reed to the mouthpiece of a clarinet or saxophone
5. character consisting of two or more letters combined into one
6. (music) a group of notes connected by a slur