Definition of "ligand" []

• An ion, a molecule, or a molecular group that binds to another chemical entity to form a larger complex. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It turns out that a single molybdenum center within a properly designed protective ligand is sufficient."
• "(A ligand is a molecule that binds to the receptor to form a biologically active complex.) "In bad times, the ligand is not made and the nuclear receptor (DAF-12) causes the animals to go into the long lived dauer stage, shutting down the microRNAs and the developmental clock," he said."
• "This first-in-class monoclonal antibody targets RANK ligand, which is involved in bone-degenerating osteoclasts."