valence

noun

va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce valence (audio)
1
: the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (such as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
2
a
: relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)
b
[in part from valence in chemistry, in part borrowed from Late Latin valentia "power, capacity," noun derivative of Latin valent-, valens, present participle of valēre "to have strength, be well" — more at wield] : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal
the relative potency of the valences of success and failureLeon Festinger

Examples of valence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Instead, sense-making organisms detect value through the valence, or pleasantness, of their direct experience. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 15 June 2024 The taint of war has also altered the valence of Russian culture in Europe and the United States—for whatever reason, much more so than was the case during the Cold War. Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2023 And in 2018’s Young Solitude, Simon intimately observed the valences of adolescent angst and alliances through a group of high schoolers in Ivry-sur-Seine. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024 The emotional valence of crushing is unmistakable; simply reversing the ad, as Reza Sixo Safai did, so that all the creative tools spring from the iPad immediately improves it. Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for valence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'valence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Valenz, short for Quantivalenz "(chemical) valence," borrowed from English quantivalence, from Latin quantus "how much" + -i- -i- + English -valence, noun derivative from -valent, in univalent entry 1, bivalent entry 1, etc., on the model of equivalent, equivalence — more at quantity

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of valence was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near valence

Cite this Entry

“Valence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valence. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

valence

noun
va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce valence (audio)
: the combining power of an atom as shown by the number of electrons in its outermost energy level that are lost, gained, or shared in the formation of chemical bonds

Medical Definition

valence

noun
va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce valence (audio)
1
a
: the degree of combining power of an element or radical as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element or the partial molecular weight of the radical will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
b
: a unit of valence
the four valences of carbon
2
a
: relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)
b
: the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or object possesses as a behavioral goal
the relative potency of the valences of success and failureLeon Festinger

Geographical Definition

Valence

geographical name

Va·​lence va-ˈläⁿs How to pronounce Valence (audio)
commune in southeastern France south of Lyon population 63,405

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