bond

Bond is a term with several related meanings across science, finance, law, sociology, and culture. At base, a bond denotes a binding relationship or connection that holds together entities, from atoms to people to financial instruments.

Chemical bonds: In chemistry, bonds are forces that join atoms into molecules. Common types include covalent bonds, formed by sharing electrons; ionic bonds, created by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions; and metallic bonds, in metals. Bond strength, polarity, and bond length influence molecular structure and reactivity.

Financial bonds: In finance, a bond is a debt instrument in which an issuer borrows funds from an investor with a promise to repay the principal at maturity and to pay periodic interest, or coupons. Bonds are issued by governments, municipalities, and corporations. Key features include coupon rate, maturity date, par value, and credit risk. Prices rise and fall with interest rates, and yields reflect expected income and risk. Bonds are used to diversify portfolios and manage risk, with government bonds often viewed as lower-risk assets.

Social and legal uses: The term also describes non-financial bonds—social or familial ties, contractual commitments, or bonds of trust. In the legal arena, a bond can refer to a bail bond or surety binding one party to perform a duty, often secured by collateral. Bonds can also mean adhesive materials that bind objects physically.

James Bond: A separate cultural reference is James Bond, a fictional British secret agent created by Ian Fleming in 1953. The character has appeared in novels and over two dozen films, and is characterized by espionage, wit, and a distinctive code of conduct.