ligando

ligand

noun lee-GAHN-doh Rare

Origin: From Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligare (to bind).

Usage Note

Ligando is a technical chemistry term for a molecule or ion that binds to a central metal atom in a coordination complex. It is a false friend for English speakers: the similar-sounding 'ligand' is the direct translation, but ligando should not be confused with the gerund of ligar ('tying' or colloquially 'flirting'). Its use is essentially restricted to scientific and academic contexts.

Examples

"El ligando se une al receptor celular."

Natural Translation

The ligand binds to the cell receptor.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish Subjunctive Explained Simply for Beginners

The Spanish subjunctive is a mood, not a tense — use it after a WEIRDO trigger plus que. Learn the one rule, the yo-form recipe, and the lines you already say.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Saying "I Love You" in Spanish

Te quiero vs te amo, explained: te quiero is the warm, safe everyday I love you; te amo is deeper and more romantic. A relationship-by-relationship map.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Diminutives: What -ito and -ita Really Mean

Spanish diminutives rarely mean 'little.' Learn what -ito and -ita really signal — warmth, softening, downplaying — plus the -cito and -ecito formation rules.

June 9, 2026 6 min read