Bivalent: meaning, definitions and examples
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bivalent
[ ˈbaɪˈvælənt ]
chemistry
Having a valence of two; capable of being satisfied by two atoms or radicals; bivalent.
Synonyms
divalent, two-valent
Examples of usage
- The bivalent oxygen atom in the water molecule is essential for life.
- Calcium is a bivalent element that forms compounds with a valence of +2.
biology
Having two valences, especially when at least one is dormant or inactive.
Synonyms
paired, two-valent
Examples of usage
- In genetics, a bivalent chromosome refers to a pair of homologous chromosomes that come together during prophase I of meiosis.
Translations
Translations of the word "bivalent" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bivalente
🇮🇳 द्विसंयोजी
🇩🇪 bivalent
🇮🇩 bivalen
🇺🇦 двовалентний
🇵🇱 dwuwartościowy
🇯🇵 二価 (にか)
🇫🇷 bivalent
🇪🇸 bivalente
🇹🇷 bivalan
🇰🇷 이가의 (이가의)
🇸🇦 ثنائي التكافؤ
🇨🇿 bivalentní
🇸🇰 bivalentný
🇨🇳 二价 (èrjià)
🇸🇮 bivalenten
🇮🇸 tvígildur
🇰🇿 екі валентті
🇬🇪 ბივალენტური
🇦🇿 iki qiymətli
🇲🇽 bivalente
Word origin
The word 'bivalent' originates from the Latin word 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'valentia' meaning 'strength.' It first appeared in the mid-19th century in the field of chemistry to describe elements or compounds with a valence of two. Over time, the term has been adopted in various scientific disciplines to denote the capability of being satisfied by two atoms or radicals.