-valent

a combining form with the meanings “having a valence” (quadrivalent), “having homologous chromosomes” (univalent), “having antibodies” (multivalent), of the number specified by the initial element.

Nearby words

-uret, -uretic, -urgy, -uria, -uronic, -valent, -ville, -viridae, -virinae, -virus, -visaged

Origin of -valent

< Latin valent- (stem of valēns, present participle of valēre to be strong); see equivalent

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British Dictionary definitions for -valent

-valent

/ (ˈveɪlənt) /

adjective, combining form

chem having a specified valencybivalent; trivalent

Word Origin for -valent

C19: from Latin valentia; see valency

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for -valent

-valent

suff.

Having a specified valence or valences:polyvalent.