valency

American  

[vey-luhn-see] / ˈveɪ lən si /

noun

Chemistry.

plural

valencies

1. valence.

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valency British  

/ ˈveɪlənsɪ /

noun

1. chem a property of atoms or groups, equal to the number of atoms of hydrogen that the atom or group could combine with or displace in forming compounds

2. linguistics the number of satellite noun phrases with which a verb combines

   the English verb `give' takes a subject and two objects, so it has a valency of three

3. immunol

   1. the number of antigen-binding sites on an antibody molecule

   2. the number of antigen-binding sites with which an antigen can combine

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Etymology

Origin of valency

C19: from Latin valentia strength, from valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

But no inkling of an explanation of these strange variations of molecular structure came until the discovery of the law of valency.

From A History of Science — Volume 4 by Williams, Henry Smith

The brilliant researches of Frankland on the organo-metallic compounds, and his consequent doctrine of saturation capacity or valency of elements and radicals, relieved Kolbe’s views of all obscurity.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

It is equal to the molecular weight of the ion, divided by 96.537 times its valency.

From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane

Hence, generally, the sources or root substances of the best and most efficient mordants are the metals of high specific appetite or valency.

From The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing Lectures Delivered Before the Hat Manufacturers' Association by Shonk, Albert

The theory of valency as a means of showing similarity of properties and relative composition became a dominant feature of chemical theory, the older hypotheses of types, radicals, &c. being more or less discarded.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various