bivalent

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

/ baɪˈveɪ lənt, ˈbɪv ə- /

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adjective

Chemistry.

having a valence of two.
having two valences, as aluminum with valences of two and three.

Genetics. pertaining to associations of two homologous chromosomes.

noun

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

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Origin of bivalent

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

OTHER WORDS FROM bivalent

bi·va·lence

[bahy-vey-luhns, biv-uh-luhns], /baɪˈveɪ ləns, ˈbɪv ə ləns/, bi·va·len·cy, noun

Words nearby bivalent

biunique, biuniqueness, biuret, biuret reaction, bivalence, bivalent, bivalent chromosome, bivalve, bivane, bivariate, biventral

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use bivalent in a sentence

For the chromosomes of the heterotype mitosis arise by the looping round, not opening out, of the bivalent chromosomes.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8|Various
Monoxide, mo-nok′sīd, n. an oxide containing a single oxygen atom in combination with two univalent atoms or one bivalent atom.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M)|Various
Figure 145 is a prophase showing the bivalent chromosomes still connected by linin fibers.
Studies in Spermatogenesis|Nettie Maria Stevens
In Tenebrio molitor, the unequal pair behaved in every respect like the other bivalent chromosomes.
Studies in Spermatogenesis|Nettie Maria Stevens

Bouquet stage from iron-hæmatoxylin preparations, showing the heterochromosome bivalent (x).
Studies in Spermatogenesis|Nettie Maria Stevens

British Dictionary definitions for bivalent

bivalent

/ (baɪˈveɪlənt, ˈbɪvə-) /

adjective

chem another word for divalent

(of homologous chromosomes) associated together in pairs

noun

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

Derived forms of bivalent

bivalency, noun

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

Medical definitions for bivalent

bivalent

[ bī-vā′lənt ]

adj.

Having a valence of 2; divalent.

Consisting of a pair of homologous, synapsed chromosomes, as occurs during meiosis; double.

A pair of homologous, synapsed chromosomes associated together during meiosis.

Other words from bivalent

bi•va′lence null n.

Scientific definitions for bivalent

bivalent

[ bī-vā′lənt ]

Chemistry Having a valence of 2.