Word Study
univalent
CIDE DICTIONARY
univalent, a. [Uni- + L. valens, -entis, p. pr. See Valence.].
Having a valence of one; capable of combining with, or of being substituted for, one atom of hydrogen; monovalent; -- said of certain atoms and radicals. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
univalent, adj. & n.
--adj.
1 Chem. having a valency of one.
2 Biol. (of a chromosome) remaining unpaired during meiosis.
--n. Biol. a univalent chromosome.
--adj.
1 Chem. having a valency of one.
2 Biol. (of a chromosome) remaining unpaired during meiosis.
--n. Biol. a univalent chromosome.
Etymology
UNI- + valent- pres. part. stem (as VALENCE(1))
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