ligand
[ lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd ]
/ ˈlaɪ gənd, ˈlɪg ənd /
noun
Biochemistry.
a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
Chemistry.
a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.
Compare
complexing agent.
Origin of ligand
1945–50; < Latin
ligandus, gerund of
ligāre to bind, tie
Words nearby ligand
ligament of head of femur,
ligamentopexis,
ligamentous,
ligamentum,
ligan,
ligand,
ligase,
ligate,
ligation,
ligature,
ligeance
British Dictionary definitions for ligand
ligand
/ (ˈlɪɡənd, ˈlaɪ-) /
noun
chem
an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom
Word Origin for ligand
C20: from Latin
ligandum, gerund of
ligāre to bind
Medical definitions for ligand
ligand
[ lī′gənd, lĭg′ənd ]
n.
An ion, a molecule, or a molecular group that binds to another chemical entity to form a larger complex.