electronegative

[ ih-lek-troh-neg-uh-tiv ]

adjective

, Physical Chemistry.

1. containing negative electricity; tending to migrate to the positive pole in electrolysis.
2. assuming negative potential when in contact with a dissimilar substance.
3. nonmetallic.

electronegative

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈnɛɡətɪv /

adjective

1. having a negative electric charge
2. (of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to gain or attract electrons and form negative ions or polarized bonds Compare electropositive

electronegative

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-nĕg′ə-tĭv /

1. Tending to attract electrons and to form a negative ion. Nonmetals are generally electronegative.
2. Having a negative electric charge.
3. Capable of acting as a negative electrode.

Other Words From

• e·lectro·nega·tivi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of electronegative¹

First recorded in 1800–10; electro- + negative

Example Sentences

Fluoride—an aggressively electronegative atom with an extra electron—has been singled out for scrutiny with a smear campaign.

From Scientific American

A critical challenge for such sensors is the detection of electronegative metals like manganese.

From US News

Lead dioxide, on the other hand, is highly electronegative, preferring to absorb electrons in chemical reactions.

From Economist

If it has a greater affinity for oxygen than copper has, then the zinc must be either electropositive or electronegative to copper.

From Project Gutenberg

Non-metals are electronegative, and with H, or with H and O, form acids.

From Project Gutenberg