univalent

[ yoo-nuh-vey-luhnt, yoo-niv-uh- ]

adjective

1. Chemistry. having a valence of one; monovalent.
2. Genetics. (of a chromosome) single; unpaired; not possessing or joining its homologous chromosome in synapsis.

univalent

/ juːˈnɪvələnt; ˌjuːnɪˈveɪlənt /

adjective

1. (of a chromosome during meiosis) not paired with its homologue
2. chem another word for monovalent

univalent

/ yo̅o̅′nĭ-vā′lənt /

1. Having a valence of 1.

Derived Forms

• ˌuniˈvalency, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of univalent¹

First recorded in 1865–70; uni- + -valent

Example Sentences

The system, which he named univalent foundations, was the main topic of study at the Institute for Advanced Study for a year, in 2012–13.

From Nature

Though it’s known as Siwa today, prior to the fifthteenth century, it was called Ammonium--which probably sounds like a place filled with the univalent chemical ion NH4+ --and it sort of was.

From Scientific American

“You are provided with added diversity, which is preparation for unexpected changes. It may give you some adaptability that a stagnant, univalent genome would not.”

From Scientific American

Me, I was always just Hazel, univalent Hazel.

From Literature

Monoxide, mo-nok′sīd, n. an oxide containing a single oxygen atom in combination with two univalent atoms or one bivalent atom.

From Project Gutenberg