Word Study
trivalent
CIDE DICTIONARY
trivalent, a. [Pref. tri- + L. valens, -entis, p. pr. See Valence.].
Having a valence of three; capable of being combined with, substituted for, or compared with, three atoms of hydrogen; -- said of triad atoms or radicals; thus, nitrogen is trivalent in ammonia. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
trivalent, adj. Chem. having a valency of three; tervalent.
Derivative
trivalency n.
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