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

Case notes that protein modifications that are commonly used for transducing signals, such as the addition of phosphoryl groups, change the valency of a protein — that is, its capacity to interact with other molecules.

From Quanta Magazine

It is the river Valency of which he speaks, the more important of the streams that join just above the haven.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a close relationship between prevailing, valiancy, valency, and value.

From Project Gutenberg

The question next arises, is the valency of an element fixed or variable?

From Project Gutenberg

If the word be defined as above, it is absolutely certain that the valency varies.

From Project Gutenberg

Just why different elements should differ thus in valency no one as yet knows; it is an empirical fact that they do.

From Project Gutenberg