pentavalent

American  

[pen-tuh-vey-luhnt, pen-tav-uh-] / ˌpɛn təˈveɪ lənt, pɛnˈtæv ə- /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. having a valence of 5.

   pentavalent arsenic.

2. quinquevalent.

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pentavalent British  

/ ˌpɛntəˈveɪlənt /

adjective

1. Also: quinquevalent.  chem having a valency of five

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Etymology

Origin of pentavalent

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

Example Sentences

The WHO said that only 57% of Nigerians are immunised with the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against five life-threatening diseases, including diphtheria.

From BBC

MenAfriVac is given to 1- to 29-year-olds, who are most vulnerable to bacterial meningitis; one possibility is to lower the upper age limit for the pentavalent vaccine.

From Science Magazine

But the diseases prevented by the pentavalent vaccine kill many of the youngest infants.

From New York Times

Clinical trials will begin next year on a ‘pentavalent’ meningitis vaccine that targets meningitis A and C and three other serotypes known to cause disease, says Alderson.

From Nature

They represent the vaccines against polio, pneumonia and rotavirus, as well as the pentavalent shot, which protects against five diseases.

From New York Times