valence

¹

[ vey-luhns ]

noun

1. Also va·len·cy [] . Chemistry.
   1. the quality that determines the number of atoms or groups with which any single atom or group will unite chemically.
   2. the relative combining capacity of an atom or group compared with that of the standard hydrogen atom. The chloride ion, Cl–, with a valence of one, has the capacity to unite with one atom of hydrogen or its equivalent, as in HCl or NaCl.
2. Immunology. the number of determinants per molecule of antigen.
3. the capacity of one person or thing to react with or affect another in some special way, as by attraction or the facilitation of a function or activity.

Valence

²

[ va-lahns ]

noun

1. a city in and the capital of Drôme, in SE France.

valence

¹

/ ˈveɪləns /

noun

1. See valency
   another name (esp US and Canadian) for valency
2. the phenomenon of forming chemical bonds

Valence

²

/ valɑ̃s /

noun

1. a town in SE France, on the River Rhône. Pop: 64 260 (1999)

valence

/ vā′ləns /

1. A whole number that represents the ability of an atom or a group of atoms to combine with other atoms or groups of atoms. The valence is determined by the number of electrons that an atom can lose, add, or share. An atom's valence is positive if its own electrons are used in forming the bond, or negative if another atom's electrons are used. For example, a carbon atom can share four of its electrons with other atoms and therefore has a valence of +4. A sodium atom can receive an electron from another atom and therefore has a valence of −1. (In this book the distinction between positive and negative valences is ignored unless it is relevant.) The valence of an atom generally indicates how many chemical bonds it is capable of forming with other atoms.
2. Also called valence number oxidation state

valence

1. A number characterizing an atom , equal to the number of valence electrons .

Word History and Origins

Origin of valence¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from Latin valentia “strength, worth,” equivalent to present participle valent- (stem of valēns ) “to be strong” + -ia noun suffix; -ence

Example Sentences

In a 2010 study published in Music Perception, Halpern and colleagues had musicians listen to the first minute of familiar classical pieces and record their judgments of the emotions they were hearing in the music through their valence and arousal.

From Time

That feeling carries through — with new valences — in the adaptation.

From Washington Post

So soldierly motivation has had a different valence, more missionary than knight.

From The Daily Beast

Still, the accusation of activism persists because it has too much cachet, too much historical valence to fade from view.

From The Daily Beast

Valence seems to have been ready to accept Bruce's challenge, but to have been dissuaded by his Scots friends.

From Project Gutenberg

Before his fierce charge, the enemy gave way; and, Langtoft says, he killed Valence's charger.

From Project Gutenberg

It had not been taken by Valence in early August, when he 'well settled affairs beyond the Mounth, and appointed warders there.'

From Project Gutenberg

Valence sent a woman, disguised as a beggar, to spy out the position; but Bruce saw through the dodge, and the spy confessed.

From Project Gutenberg

The English gave way, and, despite his utmost efforts, Valence was driven from the field.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• reactiveness
• reactivity