Definition

A piece of strong tissue in the body that connects bones at a joint or supports an organ.

Example

The doctor explained that a torn ligament can cause pain and instability in the knee.

Conversation

I heard you injured your knee while playing soccer.

Yeah, I think I might have hurt a ligament in there.

That sounds painful! Have you seen a doctor yet?

Not yet, but I’m planning to get it checked to see if the ligament is okay.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Ligament** → It is formed from "ligare" (meaning to bind) and the suffix "-ment" (indicating the result of an action). A ligament is a structure that binds bones together at joints, thus connecting them.

Memory Tip

Think of 'binding' ('ligare') something together — that's why a ligament is a structure that connects bones.

Visually Confused Words