valence

va·lence

noun \ˈvā-lən(t)s\

Definition of VALENCE

1

: the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared

2

a : relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)

b : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal <the relative potency of the valences of success and failure — Leon Festinger>

Origin of VALENCE

Late Latin valentia power, capacity, from Latin valent-, valens, present participle of valēre to be strong — more at wield

First Known Use: 1884

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Va·lence

geographical name \va-ˈläⁿs\

Definition of VALENCE

commune SE France S of Lyon pop 64,222

va·lence

noun \ˈvā-lən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VALENCE

1

a : the degree of combining power of an element or radical as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element or the partial molecular weight of the radical will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared b : a unit of valence <the four valences of carbon>

2

a : relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate) b : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or object possesses as a behavioral goal <the relative potency of the valences of success and failure—Leon Festinger>

valence

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Number of bonds (see bonding) an atom can form. Hydrogen (H) always has valence 1, so other elements' valences equal the number of hydrogen atoms they combine with. Thus, oxygen (O) has valence 2, as in water (HO); nitrogen (N) has valence 3, as in ammonia (NH); and chlorine (Cl) has valence 1, as in hydrochloric acid (HCl). The valence depends on the number of unpaired electrons in the outermost (and, in transition elements, the next) shell of the atom's structure. The sharing of the unpaired (valence) electrons in a bond mimics the stable configuration of the noble gases, whose outer shells are full. Elements that can achieve stable configurations by various combinations have more than one valence.