bivalent

[ bahy-vey-luhnt, biv-uh- ]

adjective

1. Chemistry.
   1. having a valence of two.
   2. having two valences, as aluminum with valences of two and three.
2. Genetics. pertaining to associations of two homologous chromosomes.

noun

1. Genetics. a pair of bivalent chromosomes, especially when pairing during meiosis.

bivalent

/ ˈbɪvə-; baɪˈveɪlənt /

adjective

1. See divalent
   chem another word for divalent
2. (of homologous chromosomes) associated together in pairs

noun

1. a structure formed during meiosis consisting of two homologous chromosomes associated together

bivalent

/ bī-vā′lənt /

1. Chemistry.
   Having a valence of 2.

Derived Forms

• biˈvalency, noun

Other Words From

• bi·va·lence [bahy-, vey, -l, uh, ns, biv, -, uh, -l, uh, ns], bi·valen·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivalent¹

First recorded in 1865–70; bi- ¹ + -valent

Example Sentences

That's the takeaway from a study released Tuesday morning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which offered the first clinical efficacy data for the bivalent shot since its national rollout in September.

From Ars Technica

The United Kingdom, Switzerland and Australia have already given the nod for use of that dual, or bivalent, booster.

From Science News

Some data presented at the meeting hinted that a bivalent dose might spark immunity that could be more durable, but that’s still unknown.

From Science News

The FDA could have authorized either a vaccine that contains omicron alone or a bivalent shot.

From Science News

In response, vaccine manufacturers including Moderna have developed combination, or bivalent, vaccines to enhance protection against Omicron.

From Time

For the chromosomes of the heterotype mitosis arise by the looping round, not opening out, of the bivalent chromosomes.

From Project Gutenberg

Monoxide, mo-nok′sīd, n. an oxide containing a single oxygen atom in combination with two univalent atoms or one bivalent atom.

From Project Gutenberg

Figure 145 is a prophase showing the bivalent chromosomes still connected by linin fibers.

From Project Gutenberg

In Tenebrio molitor, the unequal pair behaved in every respect like the other bivalent chromosomes.

From Project Gutenberg

Bouquet stage from iron-hæmatoxylin preparations, showing the heterochromosome bivalent (x).

From Project Gutenberg