Ligament

Ligament

Noun · /ˈlɪɡ.ə.mənt/

Definition

A short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint; any band of tissue that supports or connects organs.

Origin

From Latin ligamentum (a bandage, a bond, a tie), from ligare (to bind, to tie). The same root as liable, liability, and league. Latin ligamentum described any binding material; in anatomy it was applied specifically to the tough fibrous bands connecting bones from medieval Latin anatomical texts.