Definition of LIGATURE

ligature

Plural: ligatures

Noun

  • (music) a group of notes connected by a slur
  • character consisting of two or more letters combined into one
  • a metal band used to attach a reed to the mouthpiece of a clarinet or saxophone
  • thread used by surgeons to bind a vessel (as to constrict the flow of blood)
  • something used to tie or bind
  • the act of tying or binding things together
  • The act of tying or binding something.
  • A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.
  • A thread or wire used to remove tumours, etc.
  • The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness.
  • A character that visually combines multiple letters, such as æ, œ, ß or ij; also logotype. Sometimes called a typographic ligature.
  • A group of notes played as a phrase, or the curved line that indicates such a phrase.
  • A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
  • A piece used to hold a reed to the mouthpiece on woodwind instruments.

Verb

Verb Forms: ligatured, ligaturing, ligatures

  • To bind or tie with a ligature.
  • To ligate; to tie.

Examples

  • anti-ligature clothing
  • He tried to LIGATURE his words together, but the Scrabble board was too crowded.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English ligature, from Middle French ligature, from Late Latin ligātūra, from Latin ligātus, past participle of ligāre (“to tie, bind”).

Synonyms

binder, tying

Scrabble Score: 9

ligature: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
ligature: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
ligature: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

ligature: valid Words With Friends Word