What does ligature mean?
A ligature is, most commonly, a written symbol made by joining two or more letters into one character. Such forms occur naturally in Arabic writing and can also be deliberately used in typography to create decorative or functional letter combinations. The word has a broader sense of anything that binds or fastens securely, including a cord, band, or thread. In medicine, a ligature is a ligating material placed around a blood vessel or tissue to tighten it and control bleeding. The term comes from the Latin word ligatura, meaning “binding” or “tie,” which reflects both its physical function and its role in joining written signs together.
nounA ligature is a single written character formed by joining two or more letters, especially in a script such as Arabic. The term can also refer to a cord, band, or thread used to bind something securely.
- A written character formed by joining two or more letters, especially in Arabic or historical European scripts.
- A cord, band, or thread used to tie or bind something.
- In medicine, a ligature is a thread or other device used to tie off a blood vessel or tissue.
"The scribe joined the final two letters in an elegant ligature."
"The typeface includes several distinctive ligatures for common letter pairs."
"The surgeon placed a ligature around the vessel before continuing the procedure."
The plural is used for individual joined characters and for physical bands, threads, or ties.
"The font designer removed several awkward ligatures from the headings."
A ligature turns two letters into one visual character, while also meaning something that binds two things together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ligature come from?
The English word comes through Old French from Latin ligatura, a noun derived from ligare, meaning “to bind” or “tie.” The same Latin root underlies words such as ligament, ligate, and legato. The spelling and meaning developed in several directions, including a binding device, a surgical thread, and a joined written character.
Related word forms
How ligature is actually used
In typography, the term usually refers to a deliberately designed joined character. In medicine, it is a technical term for a thread or band used to control bleeding or secure tissue.
Easily confused with ligature
A ligature is a joined written character or a binding, whereas literature is written artistic work.