ligature

1. (uncountable) The act of tying or binding something.uncountable

2. (countable) A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.Examples: "anti-ligature clothing"; "I likewiſe felt ſeveral ſlender Ligatures acroſs my Body, from my Armpits to my Thighs. I could only look upwards, the Sun began to grow hot, and the Light offended mine Eyes."; "He hid shoelaces or rope under cushions to use as ligatures."countable

3. (countable, typography) A character that visually combines multiple letters, such as æ, œ, ß or ij; also logotype. Sometimes called a typographic ligature.countable

4. (countable, music) A group of notes played as a phrase, or the curved line that indicates such a phrase.countable

5. (music) A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.countableuncountable

6. (countable) A piece used to hold a reed to the mouthpiece on woodwind instruments.countable