valency

American  

[vey-luhn-see] / ˈveɪ lən si /

noun

Chemistry.

plural

valencies

1. valence.

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valency British  

/ ˈveɪlənsɪ /

noun

1. chem a property of atoms or groups, equal to the number of atoms of hydrogen that the atom or group could combine with or displace in forming compounds

2. linguistics the number of satellite noun phrases with which a verb combines

   the English verb `give' takes a subject and two objects, so it has a valency of three

3. immunol

   1. the number of antigen-binding sites on an antibody molecule

   2. the number of antigen-binding sites with which an antigen can combine

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Etymology

Origin of valency

C19: from Latin valentia strength, from valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

It is equal to the molecular weight of the ion, divided by 96.537 times its valency.

From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane

When multiplied by the valency it gives the atomic weight.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 7 "Equation" to "Ethics" by Various

We may indicate an ion by placing above it the sign of its electrical charge, one sign for each valency.

From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane

While the principle of varying valency laid down by Frankland is still retained, Butlerow’s view that structure had no spatial significance has been modified.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

The terms "chemical appetite" and "specific chemical appetite" are names I have coined for your present benefit, but for which chemists would use the words "affinity" and "valency" respectively.

From The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing Lectures Delivered Before the Hat Manufacturers' Association by Shonk, Albert