valency

A noun referring to the combining power of an element or radical, especially as measured by the number of hydrogen atoms it can displace or combine with; also used in biology to describe the capacity to interact with antigens or a biological substrate.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das die Fähigkeit eines Elements oder Radikals bezeichnet, sich zu verbinden, insbesondere gemessen an der Anzahl der Wasserstoffatome, die es ersetzen oder mit denen es sich verbinden kann; in der Biologie auch die Fähigkeit, mit Antigenen oder einem biologischen Substrat zu interagieren.

1. Chemical bonding capacity C1 formal scientific

   The ability of an atom or element to form chemical bonds, measured by the number of hydrogen atoms it can combine with.

   • Carbon has a valency of four, allowing it to form stable organic compounds.
   • The valency of oxygen is two, as seen in water molecules.
   • Understanding valency is essential for predicting molecular structures.

   🇩🇪Valenz

   Synonyme: valence

2. Combining power in biology C2 formal scientific

   The relative capacity of a substance, such as an antigen, to interact or react with a biological substrate.

   • The valency of an antibody determines how many antigens it can bind.
   • Researchers studied the valency of the protein complex.
   • High valency in antigens can trigger stronger immune responses.

   🇩🇪Valenz in der Biologie

   Synonyme: valence

3. Atomic combining power C1 formal scientific

   A property of atoms or radicals indicating their combining power, expressed in terms of the number of hydrogen atoms they can bond with.

   • The valency of nitrogen is three in ammonia.
   • Chlorine has a valency of one, forming compounds like HCl.
   • Valency helps classify elements into groups in the periodic table.

   🇩🇪Valenz

   Synonyme: valence

• valencies plural form
• valencies' possessive plural form
• valency's possessive singular form