bivalent

2 definitions found

bivalent - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Bivalent \Biv"a*lent\, a. [L. bis twice + valens, p. pr. See
     Valence.] (Chem.)
     Equivalent in combining or displacing power to two atoms of
     hydrogen; dyad.
     [1913 Webster]

bivalent - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  bivalent
      adj 1: having a valence of two or having two valences [syn:
             bivalent, divalent]
      2: used of homologous chromosomes associated in pairs in
         synapsis [syn: bivalent, double] [ant: multivalent,
         univalent]