Dictionary Definition
multivalent adj
1 used of the association of three or more
homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis [ant:
univalent, bivalent]
2 having more than one valence, or having a
valence of 3 or higher [syn: polyvalent] [ant: monovalent]
3 having many values, meanings, or appeals;
"subtle, multivalent allegory" [syn: multi-valued]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Adjective
- Having more than one valency or having a valency greater than 3; polyvalent
- Having three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis
- Having more than one attachment site for an antibody or antigen
- Having many meanings
Related terms
Extensive Definition
Multivalent may refer to:
- May refer to ion
- Multivalent is a synonym for Polyvalent in reference to something which has many values, meanings, or appeals and is related to polysemy. The metaphoric origin of valence is derived from the definition of valency in chemistry, refer valence and therefore by attribution, a "subtle, multivalent allegory".
- Multivalent (browser), a Java-based web browser