A ligature is a term used in various fields, primarily referring to a binding or tying element. In medicine, it often describes a thread or wire used to tie off blood vessels or tissues during surgical procedures. This helps control bleeding and promotes healing. In typography, a ligature refers to a combination of two or more letters that are joined together to create a single glyph. Common examples include the letters fi and fl, which are often combined for aesthetic reasons in printed text. Ligatures improve readability and enhance the overall appearance of written material.