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.

Origin of ligand

1
1945–50; <Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie

Words Nearby ligand

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British Dictionary definitions for ligand

ligand

/ (ˈlɪɡənd, ˈlaɪ-) /


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

Origin of ligand

1
C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind

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