quadrivalent

[kwod-ruh-vey-luhnt, kwo-driv-uh-]

adjective

Chemistry.

1. having a valence of four; tetravalent.

2. exhibiting four different valences, as antimony with valences of 5, 4, 3, and −3.

quadrivalent

/ ˌkwɒdrɪˈveɪlənt /

adjective

1. chem another word for tetravalent

Other Word Forms

• quadrivalence noun
• quadrivalency noun
• quadrivalently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadrivalent¹

First recorded in 1860–65; quadri- + -valent

Example Sentences

U.S. flu vaccines are likely to move from quadrivalent to trivalent due to a change in circulating influenza viruses, says a University of Michigan researcher.

Read more on Science Daily

Currently, all influenza vaccines in the United States are quadrivalent, meaning that they protect against four different flu viruses.

Read more on Science Daily

When it comes to the flu vaccine, there are three types that are recommended for older people, all with long, complicated names: HD-IIV4, or quadrivalent high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine; RIV4, or quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine; and aIIV4, or quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Vaccines with “quadrivalent” in their names provide protection against four different strains of influenza.

Read more on Washington Post

Fluad quadrivalent: This vaccine contains the same amount of flu antigen as the standard shot but also contains something called an adjuvant.

Read more on Washington Post