ligament

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlɪgəm(ə)nt/

noun

Anatomy
  • a short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue which connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
  • a membranous fold that supports an organ and keeps it in position.

Derivatives

ligamental

Pronunciation: /-ˈmɛnt(ə)l/
adjective

ligamentary

Pronunciation: /-ˈmɛnt(ə)ri/
adjective

ligamentous

Pronunciation: /-ˈmɛntəs/
adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin ligamentum 'bond', from ligare 'to bind'