ligament
LIG-uh-munt
/ˈlɪɡəmənt/
A short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue connecting two bones or cartilages or holding together a joint.
Specifically connects bone to bone, holding joint architecture stable under physical motion.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'ligamentum', meaning a band or tie, from 'ligare' (to bind). The same Latin root gave us 'obligation' (bound by law) and 'ligature' (a string tied tightly).
Word relationships
- connective tissue: Broader umbrella category containing ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Commonly confused with
- tendon: A tendon connects muscle to bone, whereas a ligament connects bone to bone.
Word family
- ligamentous (adjective): Relating to or resembling a ligament.
Collocations
- torn ligament
- cruciate ligament
- ligament damage
- ligamentous strain
Example sentences
- "Severe sprains occur when a knee ligament is stretched beyond its elastic capacity." Orthopedics
- "The athlete underwent surgery to reconstruct his torn anterior cruciate ligament." Sports Injury
Memory hook
LIGaments LINK bone to bone. Ligament = Ligare = Ties bone to bone.
When not to use
Do not confuse with tendons, which connect muscle to bone.
Fun facts
- The ACL in the human knee is one of the most frequently injured ligaments in high-impact jumping sports.
Related words
Explore more words
vertebrate, attachment, suture, cohesion, flexibility, flexible
Also appears in
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