pentavalent

[pen-tuh-vey-luhnt, pen-tav-uh-]

adjective

Chemistry.

1. having a valence of 5.

   pentavalent arsenic.

2. quinquevalent.

pentavalent

/ ˌpɛntəˈveɪlənt /

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentavalent¹

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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