Noun: valence vey-lun(t)s
- (chemistry) a property of atoms or radicals; their combining power given in terms of the number of hydrogen atoms (or the equivalent)
"The valence of oxygen is usually 2";
- valency
- (biology) a relative capacity to unite or react or interact as with antigens or a biological substrate
"The valence of the antibody determined its effectiveness in neutralizing the antigen";
- valency
Derived forms: valences
See also: bivalent, double, monovalent, multivalent, polyvalent, univalent
Type of: power, powerfulness
Encyclopedia: Valence, Drôme