covalence

[ koh-vey-luhns ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the number of electron pairs that an atom can share with other atoms.

Other Words From

• co·valent adjective
• co·valent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of covalence¹

First recorded in 1915–20; co- + valence

Example Sentences

In downtown Birmingham, a half-block of Third Avenue includes a Japanese gastro pub, a company called Covalence that promises “coding boot camp and career altering education,” and a branch of the elegant cafe chain, Revelator Coffee.

From New York Times

In proposing a new American government, Paine scoffed caustically at the whole idea of balance and the covalence among branches that we're taught to revere as exceptionally American, but were really derived from the post-Settlement English constitution.

From Salon

In proposing a new American government, Paine scoffed caustically at the whole idea of balance and the covalence among branches that we're taught to revere as exceptionally American, but were really derived from the post-Settlement English constitution.

From Salon