Main Entry: lig·a·ment

Pronunciation: \ˈli-gə-mənt\

Function: noun

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

Date: 14th century

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>

— lig·a·men·tous \-ˈmen-təs\ adjective