ligand
n. countablen. a molecule that binds to a specific site on a larger molecule, like a protein. This connection often sends a signal to a cell or causes a chemical change.
n. a molecule or ion that binds specifically to a receptor or central metal atom to form a complex. In pharmacology, it acts as a signaling molecule that triggers a biological response upon binding.
The ligand attaches to the cell receptor.
Researchers are developing a new ligand that can target cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue.
The binding affinity of the ligand determines how effectively the drug can compete with natural hormones for the same receptor site within the nervous system.
Borrowed from Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligo (“bind”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Commonly used in biochemistry and pharmacology; often paired with the verb 'bind' and the preposition 'to'.
Last updated May 9, 2026