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Definitions for: Valence [n] (chemistry) a property of atoms or radicals; their combining power given in terms of the number of hydrogen atoms (or the equivalent)
[n] (biology) a relative capacity to unite or react or interact as with antigens or a biological substrate
Webster (1913) Definition: Va"lence, n. [From L. valens, -entis, p. pr. of valere
to have power, to be strong. See Valiant.] (Chem.)
The degree of combining power of an atom (or radical) as
shown by the number of atoms of hydrogen (or of other monads,
as chlorine, sodium, etc.) with which it will combine, or for
which it can be substituted, or with which it can be
compared; thus, an atom of hydrogen is a monad, and has a
valence of one; the atoms of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon are
respectively dyads, triads, and tetrads, and have a valence
respectively of two, three, and four.
Note: The valence of certain elements varies in different
compounds. Valence in degree may extend as high as
seven or eight, as in the cases of iodine and osmium
respectively. The doctrine of valence has been of
fundamental importance in distinguishing the
equivalence from the atomic weight, and is an essential
factor in explaining the chemical structures of
compounds.
Synonyms: valency
See Also: covalence, covalency, power, powerfulness
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