/lig"euh cheuhr, -choor'/ , n. , v. , ligatured, ligaturing .
n.
1. the act of binding or tying up: The ligature of the artery was done with skill.
2. anything that serves for binding or tying up, as a band, bandage, or cord.
3. a tie or bond: the ligature of mutual need that bound them together.
4. Print. , Orthography. a stroke or bar connecting two letters.
5. Print. a character or type combining two or more letters.
6. Music.
a. slur.
b. a group of notes connected by a slur.
c. a metal band for securing the reed of a clarinet or saxophone to the mouthpiece.
7. Surg. a thread or wire for constriction of blood vessels or for removing tumors by strangulation.
v.t.
8. to bind with a ligature; tie up; ligate.
[ 1350-1400; ME ligatura. See LIGATE, -URE ]