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valence electron
noun
: a single electron or one of two or more electrons in the outer shell of an atom that is responsible for the chemical properties of the atom
Examples of valence electron in a Sentence
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The scientists at Tokyo Tech want to do something similar with valence electrons, which reside on the outer shell of an atom and are responsible for each atom's chemical properties.
—David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 10 Sep. 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1922, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near valence electron
Cite this Entry
“Valence electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valence%20electron. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
valence electron
noun
: a single electron or one of two or more electrons in the outer shell of an atom that is responsible for the chemical properties of the atom
More from Merriam-Webster on valence electron
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about valence electron
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