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Glite Dictionary
divalent

divalent

8.9
Able to combine with two other atoms or ions
  • adjective
  • /ˈdaɪˌveɪlənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : divalente
  • Plants often require divalent minerals, such as iron, to support their growth and health.
  • divalent cation

Examples

  • In chemistry, a divalent ion is essential for reactions involving the formation of new molecules.

  • For example, it is known that catalytic reactions require the presence of divalent metal ions such as Mg, Mn, Co, Zn, or Cd.

    Academic text (2001)

  • EPA estimates that wet scrubbers generally capture more than 90 percent of divalent mercury emissions, which may account for 20 to 80 percent of total mercury emissions.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Divalent ions, like divalent calcium, can bond with two oxygen atoms to form stable compounds.

Synonyms

bivalent
vsdivalent
  • Specialized
8.9

An atom, ion, or molecule that can form two bonds

is used only for atoms or ions combining with two other atoms or ions

Antonyms

monovalent
  • Specialized
9.1

Able to join with only one other atom, for example hydrogen

How Many Valences

tetravalent
  • Specialized
9.7
multivalent
  • Specialized
9.6
trivalent
  • Specialized
7.9
divalent
  • Specialized
8.9
monovalent
  • Specialized
9.1

Surface Forms

divalent positive

Morphology

divalent = valent (semi-transparent) = di + valent

Formed by the productive prefix 'di-' (two) attached to the technical adjective 'valent'; understandable to learners with basic chemistry knowledge but not fully transparent to a general B1 learner.

Etymology

Divalent comes from di- 'two' and valent 'having power', a root you can also see in words like valid and value. So a divalent atom or ion has the 'power' to join with two others, which is why it forms two bonds.