valence

noun

va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s 

1

: the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (such 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

[in part from valence in chemistry, in part borrowed from Late Latin valentia "power, capacity," noun derivative of Latin valent-, valens, present participle of valēre "to have strength, be well" — more at wield] : 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

Examples of valence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Often, these, too, have a political valence. —Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025

And for the first time, electricity bills seem destined to have a political valence. —Justin Worland, Time, 27 Aug. 2025

And all those experiences arguably contain a tinge of valence, a dose, however small, of positive or negative feeling, which may nudge us to behave in certain ways. —Anil Seth, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025

Which is a shame, because the air ducts above the rear fenders, the revised wing design, front valence, and rear bumper design are not only pure class but quintessential Ruf design touches. —Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Valenz, short for Quantivalenz "(chemical) valence," borrowed from English quantivalence, from Latin quantus "how much" + -i- -i- + English -valence, noun derivative from -valent, in univalent entry 1, bivalent entry 1, etc., on the model of equivalent, equivalence — more at quantity

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing valence

• valence band
• valence electron

Rhymes for valence

• surveillance

Kids Definition

valence

noun

va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s 

: the combining power of an atom as shown by the number of electrons in its outermost energy level that are lost, gained, or shared in the formation of chemical bonds

Medical Definition

valence

noun

va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s 

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

Geographical Definition

Valence

geographical name

Va·​lence va-ˈläⁿs 

commune in southeastern France south of Lyon population 63,405