Bivalent: meaning, definitions and examples

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bivalent

 

[ ˈbaɪˈvælənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

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

Etymology

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.