What does ligate mean?
Ligate means to bind or connect two or more things, particularly atoms, molecules, or biological structures, into a stable combined unit. In chemistry and molecular biology, the verb is used when describing the formation of a bond between a ligand and another molecule or ion, as in the ligation of DNA fragments or the ligation of a metal ion by a ligand. Its Latin root, shared with legal and linguistic terms such as ligature and liaison, gives it the general sense of fastening together. Although the word can express the abstract idea of joining, it is most often encountered in specialist scientific writing. In general contexts, bind, connect, join, or combine will usually sound more natural.
verbTo bind or connect something, especially atoms, molecules, or biological structures, so that the resulting parts form a single unit.
- To bind or connect atoms, molecules, or biological structures into a single unit.
- To unite or combine two or more things through a chemical or structural bond.
"The reagent causes the metal ions to ligate with the ligand, producing a stable complex."
"The peptide was ligated to the carrier protein before being introduced into the cells."
"The two DNA fragments were ligated to form a recombinant plasmid."
Ligate comes from the same Latin root as legal bonds: both concern joining things together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ligate come from?
Ligate comes from Latin ligare, meaning “to bind” or “to tie,” and ligatus, the past participle used in the formation of ligātus. The English word developed in scientific usage for the binding or joining of chemical or biological components. Related Latin-root words include ligature, originally a bond or bandage, and liaison, a connection between people or groups.
Related word forms
How ligate is actually used
This is a specialized verb used chiefly in chemistry, molecular biology, and related technical contexts. It is more formal and less common than the general verbs bind, join, and combine.
Easily confused with ligate
Ligate means to bind or unite, whereas a league is an association, competition, or group formed for a shared purpose.