Word Direct Answers

What does "ligature" mean?

Ligature: Anything that binds; a band or bandage.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Surg.) (a) A thread or string for tying the blood vessels, particularly the arteries, to prevent hemorrhage. (b) A thread or wire used to remove tumors, etc.
  2. 3.The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness; as, the ligature of a joint.
  3. 4.Impotence caused by magic or charms. [Obs.]
  4. 5.(Mus.) A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
  5. 6.(Print.) A double character, or a type consisting of two or more letters or characters united, as æ, fi, ffl.
  6. 7.To ligate; to tie.

Sources