ligature
UK: ˈlɪɡətʃə | US: ˈlɪɡətʃər
n. a thing used for tying or binding something tightly
n. (in surgery) a thread or wire used to tie a blood vessel or other structure
n. (in printing) a character consisting of two or more joined letters (e.g., "æ")
ligature = lig<bind> + ature<noun suffix>
- lig<bind>: From Latin ligare ("to bind"), seen in words like ligament and obligation.
- ature<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns denoting action or result (e.g., signature, miniature).
Etymology Origin:
The word ligature traces back to Latin ligatura, derived from ligare ("to bind"). It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of "binding." Over time, it specialized in medical (tying vessels) and typographic (joined letters) contexts, reflecting the logic of physical or symbolic connection.
The surgeon applied a ligature to stop the bleeding.
In calligraphy, the "æ" ligature combines two letters into one elegant form.
The bundle was secured with a tight ligature.
Medieval manuscripts often feature decorative ligatures.
A loose ligature can cause complications in surgical procedures.