Pronunciation: [lˈɪɡət͡ʃə sˈa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The word "ligature sign" is spelled /ˈlɪɡətʃər saɪn/. The first syllable "lig" is pronounced with a short "i" sound /ɪ/, the second syllable "a" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/, and the third syllable "ture" is pronounced with a long "u" sound /ju/. The final syllable "sign" is pronounced with a long "i" sound /saɪn/. A ligature sign is a symbol that represents two or more letters that are combined into one character.
A ligature sign is a term primarily used in medical and forensic contexts to describe a distinct mark or pattern left on the body due to the application of a ligature. A ligature is any object or material used to tightly bind or constrict a part of the body. The ligature may be a rope, belt, cord, wire, or any similar material. The distinctive feature of a ligature sign is the indentation or impression it leaves on the skin or other tissues.
In medical practice, the identification and analysis of ligature signs play a crucial role in determining the cause and manner of death in cases of suspected hanging, strangulation, or ligature strangulation. These signs can provide valuable evidence to differentiate between self-inflicted or intentional injuries and those caused by external forces.
Ligature signs are characterized by a visible, linear, or curved pattern on the body, appearing as grooves, furrows, or abrasions. They may exhibit varying degrees of depth and width, depending on the tightness and material of the ligature used. Further examination and interpretation of ligature signs can provide additional insights into the force applied, duration of constriction, and other aspects relevant to the investigation.
Overall, the presence of ligature signs helps forensic professionals, medical examiners, and pathologists gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding a specific death, aiding in the determination of cause, manner, and potential contributing factors.
In cases of hemophilia the application of a ligature, not very tightly drawn, around a limb will cause the production of ecchymoses in the peripheral portion of the member.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ligature" comes from the Latin word "ligatura", which means "a binding" or "a connection". It ultimately derives from the Latin verb "ligare", meaning "to bind" or "to tie".
The addition of the word "sign" to "ligature" creates the phrase "ligature sign". In linguistics, a ligature sign refers to a symbol or character that combines two or more letters into a single, connected glyph. This term specifically refers to written scripts or alphabets where certain letter combinations are represented by a unique symbol. The etymology of the term "ligature sign" is a combination of the aforementioned origins of "ligature" and the general meaning of "sign" as a representation or symbol.
