ligature

(lĭgˈə-cho͝orˌ, -chər)

1. The act of tying or binding.
2. a. A cord, wire, or bandage used for tying or binding.
   b. A thread, wire, or cord used in surgery to close vessels or tie off ducts.
   c. Something that unites; a bond.
3. A character, letter, or type, such as ǽ, combining two or more letters.
4. Music
   a. A group of notes intended to be played or sung as one phrase.
   b. A curved line indicating such a phrase; a slur.
   c. A passage of notes sung by repeating the same syllable.
   d. A metal band that attaches the reed to the mouthpiece of the clarinet and related instruments.

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ligature

opening notes of “The Star-Spangled Banner”