electronegative

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

/ ɪˌlɛk troʊˈnɛg ə tɪv /

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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.

nonmetallic.

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Origin of electronegative

First recorded in 1800–10; electro- + negative

OTHER WORDS FROM electronegative

e·lec·tro·neg·a·tiv·i·ty, noun

Words nearby electronegative

electron affinity, electron camera, electron capture, electron carrier, electron diffraction, electronegative, electronegativity, electroneutral, electron gun, electron hole, electronic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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

Scientific 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.