Main Entry: ¹lig·a·ture

Pronunciation: \ˈlig-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r\

Function: noun

1 : something that is used to bind ; specifically : a filament (as a thread) used in surgery (as for tying blood vessels)
2 : the action or result of binding or tying <the ligature of an artery>