valency

[ vey-luhn-see ]

noun

, Chemistry.

, plural va·len·cies.

1. valence ( def 1 ).

valency

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of valency¹

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

Example Sentences

Overall, they found ions with the highest valency -- mostly phosphates -- were most effective and they began going down a list of polyvalent ions, ruling out some, as well as finding new ions that worked for this application, including silicate and borate.

From Science Daily

Gym class was so defeating for Christa Crawford Valency that she transferred out of her private Los Angeles high school.

From Washington Times

Now a teacher herself in Chula Vista, California, Crawford Valency makes sure her fifth- and sixth-grade students acquire fundamental skills like visual and spatial awareness that will help prepare them for whatever sport or dance they may pursue later.

From Washington Times

I could not keep up,” Crawford Valency, 31, said.

From Washington Times

Gym class was so defeating for Christa Crawford Valency that she transferred out of her private Los Angeles high school.

From Seattle Times