ligate

verb

li·​gate ˈlī-ˌgāt How to pronounce ligate (audio)
lī-ˈgāt
ligated; ligating

transitive verb

1
: to tie with a ligature
2
: to join together (something, such as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process

Examples of ligate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Imagine how your leg would function if all the branches of the femoral artery were ligated. WSJ, 11 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ligate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin ligatus

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ligate was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near ligate

Cite this Entry

“Ligate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ligate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ligate

transitive verb
ligated; ligating
1
: to tie with a ligature
2
: to join together (as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process
the DNA fragments were enzymatically ligated

More from Merriam-Webster on ligate

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