multivalent

adjective

mul·​ti·​va·​lent ˌməl-tē-ˈvā-lənt  -ˌtī- 

especially in sense 3

ˌməl-ˈti-və- 

1

: polyvalent

2

: represented more than twice in the somatic chromosome number

multivalent chromosomes

3

: having many values, meanings, or appeals

multivalent noun

Examples of multivalent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rapid amyloid-β clearance and cognitive recovery through multivalent modulation of blood–brain barrier transport. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

Datta’s team is working on the multivalent battery: one that employs multivalent ions that can carry multiple charge levels as opposed to the single charge carried by a lithium battery. —Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Oct. 2025

The summer edition of Artist’s Table featured the multivalent artist and YoungArts board member Derrick Adams, alongside the celebrated Chef Mawa McQueen. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025

Taken as a whole, the collage tells a multifaceted story of a multivalent, essential space, albeit one with perhaps some questionable karma. —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for multivalent

• hexavalent
• monovalent
• pentavalent
• polyvalent
• tetravalent
• univalent
• assailant
• covalent
• divalent
• inhalant

Medical Definition

multivalent

1 of 2 adjective

mul·​ti·​va·​lent ˌməl-ti-ˈvā-lənt  -ˌtī- 

1

: polyvalent

2

: represented more than twice in the somatic chromosome number

multivalent chromosomes

multivalent

2 of 2 noun

: a multivalent group of chromosomes