'Multivalent' definitions:
Definition of 'multivalent'
(from WordNet)
adjective
Used of the association of three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis [ant: bivalent, double, univalent]
adjective
Having more than one valence, or having a valence of 3 or higher [syn: polyvalent, multivalent] [ant: monovalent, univalent]
adjective
Having many values, meanings, or appeals; "subtle, multivalent allegory" [syn: multivalent, multi-valued]
Definition of 'Multivalent'
From: GCIDE
- Multivalent \Mul*tiv"a*lent\, a. [Multi- + L. valens, p. pr. See Valence.]
- 1. (Chem.) (a) Having a valence greater than one, as silicon. (b) Having more than one degree of valence, as sulphur. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Immunology) Having multiple antigen-binding sites; -- of antibody molecules. [PJC]
- 3. (Immunology) Containing several types of antibody, to protect against more than one disease; polyvalent; -- of vaccines. [PJC]