vinculum

vin·cu·lum

 (vĭng′kyə-ləm)

n. pl. vin·cu·lums or vin·cu·la (-lə)

1. Mathematics A bar drawn over two or more algebraic terms to indicate that they are to be treated as a single term.

2. Anatomy A bandlike structure, such as a ligament.

3. A bond or tie.

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[Latin, bond, tie, from vincīre, to tie.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

vinculum

(ˈvɪŋkjʊləm)

n, pl -la (-lə)

1. (Mathematics) a horizontal line drawn above a group of mathematical terms, used as an alternative to parentheses in mathematical expressions, as in x + ̅y – z which is equivalent to x + (y – z)

2. (Anatomy) anatomy

a. any bandlike structure, esp one uniting two or more parts

b. another name for ligament

3. rare a unifying bond; tie

[C17: from Latin: bond, from vincīre to bind]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

vin•cu•lum

(ˈvɪŋ kyə ləm)

n., pl. -la (-lə).

1. a bond signifying union or unity; tie.

2. Math. a stroke or brace drawn over several members or terms, in order to show that they are to be considered together.

[1655–65; < Latin: fetter =vinc(īre) to bind + -ulum -ule]

Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

vinculum

noun

That which unites or binds:

bond, knot, ligament, ligature, link, nexus, tie, yoke.

The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.