multivalent

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

/ ˌmʌl tɪˈveɪ lənt, mʌlˈtɪv ə lənt /

adjective

Chemistry. having a valence of three or higher.

Immunology.

containing several kinds of antibody.
pertaining to an antibody that contains many antigen-binding sites.
pertaining to an antibody that has many determinants.

Nearby words

multituberculate, multitude, multitude of sins, cover a, multitudinous, multiuser system, multivalent, multivalent vaccine, multivalued, multivalve, multivariate, multiverse

Origin of multivalent

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

Related forms

mul·ti·va·lence, noun

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

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

British Dictionary definitions for multivalent

multivalent

/ (ˌmʌltɪˈveɪlənt) /

adjective

another word for polyvalent

Derived Forms

multivalency, 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

Medicine definitions for multivalent

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 forms

mul′ti•va′lence n.

Science definitions for multivalent

multivalent

[ mŭl′tĭ-vā′lənt, mŭl-tĭv′ə-lənt ]

Polyvalent.

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