ligature

ligature [lig′ə chər]

n.

[ME < MFr < LL ligatura < pp. of L ligare, to bind < IE base * leiĝ-, to bind > MLowG līk, a tie, MHG geleich, joint, Alb lidhe, a bond]

1. a tying or binding together

2. a thing used in tying or binding together; tie, bond, etc.

3.

a) a written or printed character containing two or more letters united, as æ,fl, th

b) a curved line connecting such letters in writing

4. Music

a) in medieval mensural notation, a symbol representing two or more notes

b) a curved line joining two or more notes in a tie or slur

c) the notes so connected

5. Surgery a thread or wire used to tie up an artery, etc.

vt.

ligatured, ligaturing

to tie or bind together with a ligature; ligate