Valence Definition

vāləns
valences, valencies, valence
noun
valences
The capacity of an element or radical to combine with another to form molecules, as measured by the number of hydrogen or chlorine atoms which one radical or one atom of the element will combine with or replace (e.g.: oxygen has a valence of two, i.e., one atom of oxygen combines with two hydrogen atoms to form the water molecule, H2O)
Webster's New World
An integer used to represent this capacity, which may be given as positive or negative depending on whether electrons are lost or gained, respectively.
The valences of copper are +1 and +2.
American Heritage Medicine
Any of the units of valence which a particular element may have.
Webster's New World
The number of binding sites of a molecule, such as an antibody or antigen.
American Heritage Medicine
The number of different antigens contained in a vaccine, corresponding to the number of pathogens that it is active against.
American Heritage Medicine
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Valence

Noun

Singular:
valence
Plural:
valences

Origin of Valence

  • Latin valentia capacity from valēns valent- present participle of valēre to be strong wal- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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