valence

noun va·lence \ˈvā-lən(t)s\

chemistry : the amount of power of an atom which is determined by the number of electrons the atom will lose, gain, or share when it forms compounds

Full Definition of VALENCE

: the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared

a : relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)

b : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal <the relative potency of the valences of success and failure — Leon Festinger>

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Origin of VALENCE

Late Latin valentia power, capacity, from Latin valent-, valens, present participle of valēre to be strong — more at wield

First Known Use: 1884

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Valence

geographical name Va·lence \va-ˈläⁿs\

Definition of VALENCE

commune SE France S of Lyon pop 64,222

Medical Dictionary

valence

noun va·lence \ˈvā-lən(t)s\

Medical Definition of VALENCE

a : the degree of combining power of an element or radical as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element or the partial molecular weight of the radical will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared b : a unit of valence <the four valences of carbon>

a : relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate) b : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or object possesses as a behavioral goal <the relative potency of the valences of success and failure—Leon Festinger>