: a group, ion, or molecule coordinated to a central atom or molecule in a complex
Examples of ligand in a Sentence
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Traditionally, researchers improve catalysts by changing the central metal, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, or by redesigning the surrounding molecular structure known as a ligand.
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
After further consideration, the risks and approvals process for a novel ligand made this approach unworkable within Rosie's timeframe.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Many kinds of receptors are triggered by molecules called ligands that fit into them like a key fitting into a lock: the key goes in the lock, the lock opens, and that’s it.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
Additional experiments showed that certain signals from the cells’ environment — including one molecule called KIT ligand, which promotes cell growth — helped determine which way the cells went, the release stated.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
After further consideration, the risks and approvals process for a novel ligand made this approach unworkable within Rosie's timeframe.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Many kinds of receptors are triggered by molecules called ligands that fit into them like a key fitting into a lock: the key goes in the lock, the lock opens, and that’s it.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
Additional experiments showed that certain signals from the cells’ environment — including one molecule called KIT ligand, which promotes cell growth — helped determine which way the cells went, the release stated.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ligand
Cite this Entry
“Ligand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ligand. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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