covalent bond

American  

[koh-vey-luhnt bond] / ˈkoʊˌveɪ lənt ˈbɒnd /

noun

Chemistry.

1. the bond formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons by two atoms.

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covalent bond British  

noun

1. a type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electrons between atoms in a molecule, esp the sharing of a pair of electrons by two adjacent atoms

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covalent bond Scientific  

/ kō-vā′lənt /

1. A chemical bond formed when electrons are shared between two atoms. Usually each atom contributes one electron to form a pair of electrons that are shared by both atoms.

2. See more at coordinate bond double bond polar bond

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covalent bond Cultural  

1. A chemical bond in which two atoms share some of their valence electrons, thereby creating a force that holds the atoms together.

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Discover More

Many molecules in living systems are held together by covalent bonds.

Etymology

Origin of covalent bond

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

This was in the correct position to form a strong covalent bond with the amino acid previously attached to the second strand.

From Scientific American

In the early 20th century, German chemists such as Walter Heitler and Fritz London showed the covalent bond could be understood using quantum mechanics.

From Scientific American

The rings are not connected by a covalent bond, but instead form a different kind of linkage called a mechanical bond, in which the connected rings can move freely around each other.

From Nature

In a second step, the covalent bond is broken through a hydrolysis reaction, releasing the product of the enzymatic reaction and restoring the reactive nucleophile for a second round of catalysis.

From Nature

Like other nerve agents, it would form a stable covalent bond with a serine group in the cleft.

From Science Magazine