ligature
nounUK /ˈlɪɡətʃə/
US /ˈlɪɡətʃər/
A ligature is something used to tie or fasten things together, like a string or band.
The doctor used a ligature to tie off the blood vessel.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Two or more letters joined together as a single symbol, like 'æ'.
The word 'encyclopædia' uses the ligature 'æ'.
3. In music, a curved line that connects two notes to be played as one.
The violinist held the ligature between the two notes smoothly.
4. In surgery, a thread used to tie a blood vessel or tube.
The surgeon applied a ligature to stop the bleeding.
5. The act of tying or binding something.
The ligature of the package kept it secure during shipping.