ligature

Everyday

1. A ligature is a thread, string or band used to tie something tightly, especially by a doctor to tie off a blood vessel. tree →
2. (writing) A ligature is two letters joined into one shape, like æ or œ, or «fi» in printed books. tree →
3. (music) A ligature is a mark or clamp joining notes or holding a reed. tree →

In the lessons

Medicine and first aid history; typing and printing lessons (æ in «encyclopædia»); music: the clamp on a clarinet. Formal word.

Examples

• The surgeon tied a ligature round the blood vessel. tree →
• «Æ» is a ligature of «a» and «e». tree →
• Old books use ligatures like «œ». tree →
• The clarinet's reed is held by a ligature. tree →
• Some fonts join «f» and «i» with a ligature. tree →
• The ligature stopped the bleeding. tree →

Note

Plural: ligatures. Say «LIG-uh-cher». Related: ligament (in the body).