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
Edmund BurkeExamples of ligament in a Sentence
He sprained ligaments in his knee.
Recent Examples on the Web
Being active helps keep their muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints strong.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
The air pressure sequentially triggers two ligament actuators in each leg, which move the limb laterally, along with one foot actuator that lifts the limb off the ground.
—Ben Coxworth
may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2025
Improper use of an ab wheel could cause unnecessary strain on the lower back or pulled ligaments or muscles.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy also misses out after making her return from injury at the end of April.
Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway has been out since January after tearing her lateral collateral ligament in her knee, leaving her with a race to be fit for Euro 2025.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ligament
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Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
The air pressure sequentially triggers two ligament actuators in each leg, which move the limb laterally, along with one foot actuator that lifts the limb off the ground.
—Ben Coxworth
may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2025
Improper use of an ab wheel could cause unnecessary strain on the lower back or pulled ligaments or muscles.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy also misses out after making her return from injury at the end of April.
Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway has been out since January after tearing her lateral collateral ligament in her knee, leaving her with a race to be fit for Euro 2025.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ligament
Cite this Entry
“Ligament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ligament. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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