multivalent

[muhl-ti-vey-luh nt, muhl-tiv-uh-luh nt]

adjective

Chemistry. having a valence of three or higher.
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.

Origin of multivalent

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

Related formsmul·ti·va·lence, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for multivalent

Contemporary Examples of multivalent

Where he sees lack of narrative, I find the opposite—narrative in all its multivalent forms.
Not Much New in Douglas Rushkoff’s Reading of the Future
Jacob Silverman
March 26, 2013

Historical Examples of multivalent

Development of a multivalent antivenin for the family Crotalidae.
Natural History of Cottonmouth Moccasin, Agkistrodon piscovorus (Reptilia)
Ray D. Burkett
With these salts the full effect of multivalent anions is not attained, so that somewhat strong solutions are necessary.
Animal Proteins
Hugh Garner Bennett
Thus, suitable stripping agents for chrome leather would be the alkali salts of organic acids (especially if multivalent).
Animal Proteins
Hugh Garner Bennett

British Dictionary definitions for multivalent

multivalent

adjective

another word for polyvalent

Derived Formsmultivalency, noun

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

Word Origin and History for multivalent

adj.

1874, from multi- + -valent, from Latin valentem, present participle of valere "be worth" (see valiant).

multivalent in Medicine

multivalent

(mŭl′tĭ-vā′lənt)

adj.

Polyvalent.
Of or relating to the association of three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis.
Having several sites of attachment for an antibody or antigen.
Having various meanings or values.

Related formsmul′ti•va′lence n.

multivalent in Science