: 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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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.
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Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
The team enhanced the design using small-molecule amidinium ligands.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 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
Many doctors will start with a class of drugs called alpha2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, Koo said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ligand
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Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
The team enhanced the design using small-molecule amidinium ligands.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 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
Many doctors will start with a class of drugs called alpha2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, Koo said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 June 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 26 Apr. 2026.
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