electronegative

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

adjective

, Physical Chemistry.

1. containing negative electricity; tending to migrate to the positive pole in electrolysis.
2. assuming negative potential when in contact with a dissimilar substance.
3. nonmetallic.

electronegative

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈnɛɡətɪv /

adjective

1. having a negative electric charge
2. (of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to gain or attract electrons and form negative ions or polarized bonds Compare electropositive

electronegative

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-nĕg′ə-tĭv /

1. Tending to attract electrons and to form a negative ion. Nonmetals are generally electronegative.
2. Having a negative electric charge.
3. Capable of acting as a negative electrode.

Other Words From

• e·lectro·nega·tivi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of electronegative¹

First recorded in 1800–10; electro- + negative