valency — the combining capacity of an atom or element, determined by the number of electrons it can lose, gain, or share
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the combining capacity of an atom or element, determined by the number of electrons it can lose, gain, or share
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈveɪlənsɪ/
Example Sentences
- The chemistry teacher explained that sodium has a valency of one, which is why it's always looking for a dance partner at the electron party.
- Understanding valency is crucial for predicting how elements will combine in chemical reactions.
- Iron shows variable valency, sometimes acting like it can't decide how many friends it wants to hang out with.
valency
NOUN[/ˈveɪlənsɪ/]
the combining capacity of an atom or element, determined by the number of electrons it can lose, gain, or share
Atom's combining capacity
Valency shows each atom's tendency and dependency!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Valency derives from Latin 'valentia', meaning 'strength' or 'ability'. The term was introduced by 19th-century chemists to describe the combining capacity of chemical elements.
Breakdown
valent- (strong, having power, from Latin valens) + -cy (state or quality of).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chemistry teacher explained that sodium has a valency of one, which is why it's always looking for a dance partner at the electron party.”
“Understanding valency is crucial for predicting how elements will combine in chemical reactions.”
“Iron shows variable valency, sometimes acting like it can't decide how many friends it wants to hang out with.”
“In linguistics, the valency of a verb determines the sentence structure.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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