divalentadj.
/ˈdʌɪvələnt//ˈdɪvələnt/ Chemistry.
Combining with two atoms of hydrogen or other univalent element or radical; having two combining equivalents; also bivalent. A diatomic element, e.g. oxygen n., is divalent; so is the highly complex molecule C5H10 = (CH3)2·C·(CH2)2, which has two combining powers unsaturated.
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the world > matter > chemistry > valency > [adjective] > having a valency of two
bivalent1869
divalent1869
1869 H. E. Roscoe Lessons Elem. Chem. (new ed.) xvii. 172 The metals of this class [sc. metals of the alkaline earths] are divalent.
1870 F. Hurter in Eng. Mech. 11 Feb. 524/2 Oxygen is called divalent, or bivalent, because it can hold two atoms of a monogenous element.
1881 Academy 15 Jan. 47/1 In like manner the term ‘divalent’ may be given to such atoms as are equal in combining power to two atoms of hydrogen.
Draft additions 1993
diˈvalence n.
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the world > matter > chemistry > chemical properties > [noun] > quality of being divalent
divalency1888
divalence1909
1909 Cent. Dict. Suppl. Divalence.
1972 Physical Rev. B. 5 2738 The divalence of both Cd and Hg in trivalent In suggests that solute electropositivity is a possible origin of the anomaly.
1985 Jrnl. Magnetism & Magnetic Materials 47–48 594/1 Eu ions in the high temperature regions assume integral divalence in cerium.
diˈvalency n. = bivalency n.
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the world > matter > chemistry > chemical properties > [noun] > quality of being divalent
divalency1888
divalence1909
1888 Bedson & Williams tr. Meyer Mod. Theories Chem. ix. 333 On account of the divalency of oxygen..they [sc. compounds with oxygen] would at first sight appear to afford but an unsuitable and doubtful means of determining the valency.
1927 N. V. Sidgwick Electronic Theory of Valency 270 These two effects can lead ultimately to the divalency of the elements of both subgroups.
1979 Nature 13 Dec. 743/2 A new ultrastructural post-embedding staining technique, based on the divalency of IgG molecules.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
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adj.1869