Ligament

/ˈlɪɡəmənt/ noun

Definition

A strong, flexible band of tissue that connects bones to other bones at a joint. Ligaments help keep joints stable while still allowing movement.

Etymology

From Latin *ligamentum* meaning “a band, tie,” from *ligare* (to bind, tie). The word keeps the image of bones literally being tied together.

Kelly Says

Ligaments are your body’s built-in ropes, quietly keeping your skeleton from falling apart when you move. The same root shows up in ‘religion’ and ‘liaison’—all about binding things, whether bones, people, or beliefs.

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