Multivalent

Pronunciation varies by accent · adjective

Meaning

(chemistry) Having more than one valency or having a valency greater than 3; polyvalent..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chemistry) Having more than one valency or having a valency greater than 3; polyvalent.
2. (genetics) Having three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis.
3. (immunology) Having more than one attachment site for an antibody or antigen.
4. (grammar) Able to bind to different parts of speech.
5. (art) Having many kinds of value.
6. Having many meanings.
7. (genetics) Any multivalent chromosome.

Example Sentences

This procedure can be justified by considering the difficult word or compound as a separate part of a sentence of which the (verbal) adjective is the multivalent predicate, i.e. able to bind more than one part of speech.

In general terms, each of the causative suffixes derives a multivalent verb having the meaning 'to cause/make to V', where V is a variable standing for the verbal action of the base.

Synonyms for multivalent

Antonyms for multivalent

Related Words

Word Forms

• more multivalent
• most multivalent
• multivalents

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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