valence

noun

va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s 

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 failure

—Leon Festinger

Examples of valence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But its underlying architecture has no natural political valence, and could equally well serve coöperative ends. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024

The most interesting moments in Wild Diamond lean into the religious valences of toxic influencer culture. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

The form of the content—its production value and valence, like a subatomic particle’s spin—surpasses the underlying raw material. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 17 July 2024

These contexts had varying levels of emotional valence–how pleasant or unpleasant an experience is–and differing levels of excitement. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 July 2024

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

Phrases Containing valence

• valence band
• valence electron

Kids Definition

valence

noun

va·​lence ˈvā-lən(t)s 

: 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 

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 failure

—Leon Festinger

Geographical Definition

Valence

geographical name

Va·​lence va-ˈläⁿs 

commune in southeastern France south of Lyon population 63,405