ligament

[ˈlɪɡəmənt]
nounmasculinepl: ligaments
ligamento
1. A short band of tough, flexible tissue connecting bones or holding organs in place
The athlete suffered a torn ligament in her knee during the soccer match.
A atleta sofreu um ligamento rompido no joelho durante a partida de futebol.
2. In anatomy, any fibrous tissue that connects or supports body parts
The spinal ligaments provide stability to the vertebral column.
Os ligamentos espinhais proporcionam estabilidade à coluna vertebral.
3. Figuratively, something that binds or connects things together
Education is the ligament that binds society together.
A educação é o ligamento que une a sociedade.
In both American and Brazilian medical contexts, 'ligament' (ligamento) is a technical anatomical term widely used in sports medicine, orthopedics, and physical therapy. Sports injuries involving ligaments are commonly discussed in both cultures, particularly in football/soccer contexts. The term is formal and primarily used in medical, educational, and healthcare settings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
bandconnectortissuebinding

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ligamento
Standard medical and anatomical term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
ligamento
Same as general usage, standard medical terminology
Rio de Janeiro
ligamento
Same as general usage, standard medical terminology
Portugal
ligamento
Same term used in Portuguese medical context, though sometimes 'ligadura' in older texts

Related Words

tendoncartilagejointmuscleboneanatomy

Related Idioms & Phrases

torn ligament - a common sports injury
sprain a ligament - to injure by overstretching
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