HomeServicesBlogDictionariesContactSpanish Course
← Back to search

Meaning of Ligature | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C2 Specialized
ˈlɪɡət͡ʃɚ

Definitions

  1. The act of tying or binding something.
  2. A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.
  3. A thread or wire used to remove tumours, etc.
  4. The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness.
  5. A character that visually combines multiple letters, such as æ, œ, ß or ij; also logotype. Sometimes called a typographic ligature.
  6. A group of notes played as a phrase, or the curved line that indicates such a phrase.
  7. A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
  8. A piece used to hold a reed to the mouthpiece on woodwind instruments.
  9. Any binding, uniting, or restraining principle or agency.
  10. A spell or charm that induces sexual impotence.

Equivalents

Examples

“anti-ligature clothing

(in psychiatry) clothing that prevents one from using it to tie knots

“I likewiſe felt ſeveral ſlender Ligatures acroſs my Body, from my Armpits to my Thighs. I could only look upwards, the Sun began to grow hot, and the Light offended mine Eyes.”
“He hid shoelaces or rope under cushions to use as ligatures.”
the ligature of a joint
The Roman epic poet Vergil refers to the incapacitating effects of ligatures, while Ovid, the erotic poet, admits the power of such spell-bindings.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

Learn this word in context

See Ligature used in real conversations inside our free language course.

Start Free Course

Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free