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.

Origin

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

Examples from the web for ligand

When a receptor binds to its matched protein, called a ligand, it trips a series of cellular signals that turn genes on and off.
Another unusual ligand from the electron counting perspective is sulfur dioxide.
Different ligand structural arrangements result from the coordination number.

British Dictionary definitions for ligand

/ˈlɪɡənd; ˈlaɪ-/

noun

(chem) an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom

Word Origin

C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind

Word Origin and History for ligand

1952, from Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligare "to bind" (see ligament).

ligand in Medicine

ligand li·gand (lī'gənd, lĭg'ənd)
n.
An ion, a molecule, or a molecular group that binds to another chemical entity to form a larger complex.