trivalent

[ trahy-vey-luh nt, triv-uh-luh nt ]

/ traɪˈveɪ lənt, ˈtrɪv ə lənt /

adjective

Chemistry. having a valence of three.

Immunology. having three binding sites, as certain antigens.

Nearby words

Origin of trivalent

1865–70; tri- + valent

Related formstri·va·lence, tri·va·len·cy, noun

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

Examples from the Web for trivalent

Write the general formula of an alum, representing an atom of an alkali metal by X and an atom of a trivalent metal by Y.
An Elementary Study of Chemistry|William McPherson
Similarly, a trivalent atom, such as that of Nitrogen, can unite with three monovalent atoms.
The Making of Species|Douglas Dewar
The trivalent metals, which in addition to aluminium include also iron and chromium, are sometimes called the earth metals.
An Elementary Study of Chemistry|William McPherson
It can also act as a trivalent metal, and in this condition forms salts similar to those of aluminium.
An Elementary Study of Chemistry|William McPherson

Antimony acts as a trivalent element in the formation of a chloride.
An Elementary Study of Chemistry|William McPherson

British Dictionary definitions for trivalent

trivalent

/ (traɪˈveɪlənt, ˈtrɪvələnt) /

adjective chem

having a valency of three

having three valencies

Also: tervalent

Derived Formstrivalency, 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 trivalent

trivalent

[ trī-vā′lənt ]

adj.

Having valence 3.

Related formstri•va′lence null n.

Science definitions for trivalent

trivalent

[ trī-vā′lənt ]

Chemistry Having a valence of 3.