electronegative

[ ih-lek-troh-neg-uh-tiv ]

/ ɪˌlɛk troʊˈnɛg ə tɪv /

adjective Physical Chemistry.

containing negative electricity; tending to migrate to the positive pole in electrolysis.

assuming negative potential when in contact with a dissimilar substance.

Nearby words

electron volt, electron-neutrino, electron-ray tube, electron-volt, electronarcosis, electronegative, electronegativity, electroneurography, electroneuromyography, electroneutral, electronic

Origin of electronegative

First recorded in 1800–10; electro- + negative

Related forms

e·lec·tro·neg·a·tiv·i·ty, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for electronegative

electronegative

/ (ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈnɛɡətɪv) /

adjective

having a negative electric charge

(of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to gain or attract electrons and form negative ions or polarized bondsCompare electropositive

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 electronegative

electronegative

[ ĭ-lĕk′trō-nĕg′ə-tĭv ]

adj.

Having a negative electric charge.

Tending to attract electrons to form a chemical bond.

Capable of acting as a negative electrode.

Science definitions for electronegative

electronegative

[ ĭ-lĕk′trō-nĕg′ə-tĭv ]

Tending to attract electrons and to form a negative ion. Nonmetals are generally electronegative.

Having a negative electric charge.

Capable of acting as a negative electrode.