ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈli-gə-mənt 

1

: a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place

2

: a connecting or unifying bond

the law of nations, the great ligament of mankind

—Edmund Burke

ligamentous

ˌli-gə-ˈmen-təs 

adjective

Examples of ligament in a Sentence

He sprained ligaments in his knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Collagen Protein: Collagen is a main component of bones, ligaments, skin and a good source of protein. —Caroline Thomason, Health, 4 June 2024

The procedure involves cutting a ligament in the hand to ease pressure on the median nerve. —Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 3 June 2024

Any injury to the UCL, the ligament Tommy John elbow reconstruction repairs, is a scary sign, and there’s no way to know how long Bradish (or any pitcher, for that matter) will be healthy. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024

Travel pillows During pregnancy, ligaments in the hips and back loosen in preparation for birth and this can often cause secondary strain across the top of the shoulders and neck which can be very uncomfortable for expectant mothers. —Joanna Carrigan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin ligamentum, from Latin, band, tie, from ligare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ligament

• anterior cruciate ligament
• cruciate ligament
• medial collateral ligament
• posterior cruciate ligament
• suspensory ligament
• ulnar collateral ligament
• ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

Kids Definition

ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈlig-ə-mənt 

: a tough band of tissue that holds bones together or keeps an organ in place in the body

Etymology

Middle English ligament "connecting tissue, ligament," derived from Latin ligamentum "band, something used for tying," from ligare "to bind, tie" — related to ally

Medical Definition

ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈlig-ə-mənt 

1

: a tough band of tissue that serves to connect the articular extremities of bones or to support or retain an organ in place and is usually composed of coarse bundles of dense white fibrous tissue parallel or closely interlaced, pliant, and flexible, but not extensible

2

: any of various folds or bands of pleura, peritoneum, or mesentery connecting parts or organs