ligature Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (music) a group of notes connected by a slur
  2. noun character consisting of two or more letters combined into one
  3. noun a metal band used to attach a reed to the mouthpiece of a clarinet or saxophone
  4. noun thread used by surgeons to bind a vessel (as to constrict the flow of blood)
  5. noun something used to tie or bind
    binder.
  6. noun the act of tying or binding things together
    tying.

WordNet

Lig"a*ture noun
Etymology
L. ligatura, fr. ligare, ligatum, to bind: cf. f. ligature. Cf. Ally, League, Legatura, Liable, Legament.
Definitions
  1. The act of binding.
  2. Anything that binds; a band or bandage.
  3. (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.
  4. The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness; as, the ligature of a joint.
  5. Impotence caused by magic or charms. Obs.
  6. (Mus.) A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
  7. (Print.) A double character, or a type consisting of two or more letters or characters united, as æ, fi, ffl.
Lig"a*ture transitive verb
Definitions
  1. (Surg.) To ligate; to tie.

Webster 1913