electronegative

American  

[ih-lek-troh-neg-uh-tiv] / ɪˌlɛk troʊˈnɛg ə tɪv /

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.

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electronegative British  

/ 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

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electronegative Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• electronegativity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of electronegative

First recorded in 1800–10; electro- + negative

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

electronegative

Although the magnitude of the bond moment will not change based on whether B is the most electronegative or the least, the direction of the bond moment will.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

In general, the less electronegative elements are more likely to be central atoms.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

We know from our previous discussion that the less electronegative atom typically occupies the central position, but formal charges allow us to understand why this occurs.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

Dipole vectors are shown as arrows pointing along the bond from the less electronegative atom toward the more electronegative atom.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

If zinc has an affinity for oxygen, it must be because the zinc is either electropositive or electronegative to oxygen.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous