ligand
Americannoun
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Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
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Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.
noun
Etymology
Origin of ligand
1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the team unveiled a redesigned iron catalyst that cuts chiral ligand use by two thirds.
From Science Daily
By examining evolutionary relationships between uracil sensors and related sensory domains, the team found that ligand specificity can change relatively easily over time.
From Science Daily
"I'm excited to see the ligand design pay off in such a meaningful way," said Wedal.
From Science Daily
During infections, the body naturally produces this ligand, but cancer cells do not.
From Science Daily
To fine-tune the behavior of the complex, the researchers combined manganese with a ligand that adjusts its electronic properties.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
