Ligate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ligate

[ˈlaɪɡeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

medical procedure

To ligate means to tie or bind something tightly, often used in a medical context to refer to the act of tying off blood vessels or ducts to prevent bleeding or to isolate an organ during surgery.

Synonyms

bind, fasten, secure, tie.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon had to ligate the blood vessels before proceeding with the operation.
  • Ligating the fallopian tubes is a common form of contraception.
  • During the procedure, the doctor will ligate the duct to stop the flow.
  • It's important to ligate properly to avoid complications post-surgery.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Ligation is often performed in surgeries to control blood flow in blood vessels.
  • It can be used in procedures like tubal ligation, where a woman's fallopian tubes are tied to prevent pregnancy.
  • Surgeons may also use ligation techniques to remove tumors while minimizing blood loss.

Science

  • In chemistry, ligate can refer to the formation of complexes where molecules bind together.
  • Ligation techniques are essential in molecular biology for DNA manipulation and cloning.
  • The process helps researchers combine genetic material from different organisms.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in many medical dramas and shows that portray surgery, often involving intense scenes of emergency procedures.
  • In popular science literature, ligation is frequently discussed in the context of gene editing technologies like CRISPR.
  • It has been referenced humorously in memes regarding medical lingo, showing the contrast between everyday communication and technical jargon.

Origin of 'ligate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ligare,' meaning 'to bind or tie.'
  • It first appeared in English texts during the late 17th century, reflecting an increasing interest in science and medicine.
  • In historical contexts, ligation was crucial during surgeries to control bleeding.

The word 'ligate' derives from the Latin 'ligare,' which means 'to bind.' This Latin origin itself is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *leig-, which conveys the idea of binding or binding together. The term began to be utilized in English around the early 19th century, particularly in medical terminology, emphasizing the act of tying something securely. Over time, 'ligate' has maintained its primary association with medical procedures, especially surgeries where tying off blood vessels is crucial to ensure patient safety. Its usage has expanded slightly into other fields, but the medical connotation remains the strongest and most recognized.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,225, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.