ligand

[ lahy-guhnd, lig-uhnd ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
2. Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.

ligand

/ ˈlaɪ-; ˈlɪɡənd /

noun

1. chem an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

HydF plays a role during the synthesis of a ligand that is essential for the delivery of protons for hydrogen turnover.

From Science Daily

This work was primarily co-sponsored by DOE's Office of Science for ligand synthesis, lanthanide complexation studies, crystallization processes, spectroscopic analyses and simulation efforts.

From Science Daily

GalNAc conjugate therapies, which attach siRNA molecules to the ligand to deliver therapies inside cells, are already on the market for conditions such as hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

From Science Daily

"This technology is providing in-depth optimization of each unique ligand," says Dawn Mason, global external innovation manager at Eastman, a global specialty materials company that supported the work.

From Science Daily

"This study presents a new direction for the ligand exchange method in organic PQDs, serving as a catalyst to revolutionize the field of QD solar cell material research in the future," commented Professor Jang.

From Science Daily