multivalent

[ muhl-ti-vey-luhnt, muhl-tiv-uh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. Chemistry. having a valence of three or higher.
2. Immunology.
   1. containing several kinds of antibody.
   2. pertaining to an antibody that contains many antigen-binding sites.
   3. pertaining to an antibody that has many determinants.

multivalent

/ ˌmʌltɪˈveɪlənt /

adjective

1. another word for polyvalent

multivalent

/ mŭl′tĭ-vā′lənt,mŭl-tĭv′ə-lənt /

1. Polyvalent.
2. Relating to the association of three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis.

Derived Forms

• ˌmultiˈvalency, noun

Other Words From

• multi·valence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of multivalent¹

First recorded in 1870–75; multi- + -valent

Example Sentences

Where he sees lack of narrative, I find the opposite—narrative in all its multivalent forms.

From The Daily Beast

With these salts the full effect of multivalent anions is not attained, so that somewhat strong solutions are necessary.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, suitable stripping agents for chrome leather would be the alkali salts of organic acids (especially if multivalent).

From Project Gutenberg

Development of a multivalent antivenin for the family Crotalidae.

From Project Gutenberg