# ligature

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlɪɡət͡ʃɚ/ · frequency rank #38,018

## Definitions
1. The act of tying or binding something.
2. A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.
3. A thread or wire used to remove tumours, etc.
4. The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness.
5. A character that visually combines multiple letters, such as æ, œ, ß or ij; also logotype. Sometimes called a typographic ligature.
6. A group of notes played as a phrase, or the curved line that indicates such a phrase.
7. A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
8. A piece used to hold a reed to the mouthpiece on woodwind instruments.
9. Any binding, uniting, or restraining principle or agency.
10. A spell or charm that induces sexual impotence.

## Etymology
From Middle English ligature, from Middle French ligature, from Late Latin ligātūra, from Latin ligātus, past participle of ligāre (“to tie, bind”).

## Common misspellings (11)
`ilgature`, `lgiature`, `liagture`, `ligatrue`, `ligatture`, `ligatuer`, `ligaturre`, `ligautre`, `liggature`, `ligtaure`, `lligature`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ligature