1. (chemistry) a property of atoms or radicals; their combining power given in terms of the number of hydrogen atoms (or the equivalent)
   "The valency of oxygen is usually 2";
   - valence
    
2. The phenomenon of forming chemical bonds
   "The valency of an element determines how many bonds it can form with other atoms"
    
3. (biology) a relative capacity to unite or react or interact as with antigens or a biological substrate
   "The valency of the antibody determined its effectiveness in neutralizing the antigen";
   - valence

Derived forms: valencies

See also: bivalent, double, monovalent, multivalent, polyvalent, univalent

Type of: chemical phenomenon, power, powerfulness

Encyclopedia: Valency