An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The → attractive force that holds together neighboring → atoms in → molecules.

Etymology (EN): Bond, variant of band, from M.E. bende, O.E. bend, from O.Fr. bande, bende, PIE *bendh- “to bind” (cf. Goth bandi “that which binds;” Av./O.Pers. band- “to bind, fetter,” banda- “band, tie” (see below);
Skt. bandh- “to bind, tie, fasten,” bandhah “a tying, bandage”).

Etymology (PE): Band “band, tie,” from Mid.Pers., O.Pers./Av. band- “to bind,” banda- “band, tie,” also present stem of bastan “to bind, shut,” → shutter.