binds

Binds is the third-person singular present tense of the verb bind, meaning to tie, fasten, secure, or unite by a bond. It can also describe imposing obligations or commitments, as in contracts or agreements. The noun form binds is uncommon; more often the related terms binding or bindings are used.

In science, binding refers to the attachment of one molecule to another. A molecule binds to a target through various interactions and with varying strength, described by its binding affinity. Examples include a substrate binding to an enzyme, a hormone binding to a receptor, or oxygen binding to hemoglobin. Binding underpins many biological processes and chemical reactions, and its strength can influence outcomes such as reaction rates or signaling.

In computing, binds is encountered in several senses. In networking, a program binds a socket to a specific local IP address and port, enabling it to receive network traffic. In software development, data binding describes connections between user interface elements and underlying data sources, so changes in data or UI reflect automatically. Event binding connects user actions to code handlers, and the term bindings can appear in dependency injection or scripting contexts to describe the associations between components.

In legal and everyday language, to bind means to create a duty or obligation. A contract binds the parties to its terms, while non-binding statements or opinions lack legal enforceability. The concept also appears in phrases like “bind over” or “bind someone to a promise,” reflecting formal commitments.

See also: binding, binding energy, data binding, socket binding.