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Trivalent: meaning, definitions and examples

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trivalent

 

[ traɪˈveɪlənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Trivalent refers to an atom or a radical that has a valence of three, meaning it can form three chemical bonds with other atoms. This property is significant in understanding the behavior of certain elements in compounds and reactions.

Synonyms

ternary, triadic

Examples of usage

  • Boron is a trivalent element commonly used in semiconductor technology.
  • In trivalent ion complexes, central atoms often exhibit unique bonding characteristics.
  • Trivalent vaccines can provide immunity against three different strains of a virus.

Translations

Translations of the word "trivalent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trivalente

🇮🇳 त्रैवैलेंट

🇩🇪 trivalent

🇮🇩 trivalen

🇺🇦 тривалентний

🇵🇱 trójwartościowy

🇯🇵 三価の

🇫🇷 trivalent

🇪🇸 trivalente

🇹🇷 üç değerli

🇰🇷 삼가의

🇸🇦 ثلاثي القيمة

🇨🇿 trojmocný

🇸🇰 trojmocný

🇨🇳 三价的

🇸🇮 trivalentni

🇮🇸 þríverka

🇰🇿 үш мәнді

🇬🇪 მესამე ღირებულება

🇦🇿 üç dəyərli

🇲🇽 trivalente

Etymology

The term 'trivalent' comes from the Latin roots 'tri-', meaning three, and 'valent', from 'valentia', meaning strength or capacity. The earliest usage of the term in a scientific context dates back to the late 19th century, as chemists began to classify elements based on their bonding behaviors and valences. Understanding the concept of trivalence has been crucial in the development of chemical bonds, particularly as the periodic table of elements was being formulated. Its application spans various branches of chemistry, including coordination chemistry and organic chemistry, where the valence plays a pivotal role in determining how different molecules interact. The broader implications of trivalent compounds also extend to biology and medicine, especially in the development of vaccines and understanding metallic ions in biological systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,418, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.