multivalent adjective & noun. [mʌltɪ'veɪl(ǝ)nt, esp. Cytology mʌl'tɪvǝl(ǝ)nt] L19.
[from MULTI- + -VALENT.]
A. adjective.
1. a. Chemistry. = POLYVALENT 1a. L19.
b. Immunology. Of an antigen or antibody: having several sites at which attachment to an antibody or antigen can occur. M20.

2. Cytology. That is (part of) a multivalent. E20.

3. Chiefly Linguistics & Literary Criticism. Having or susceptible of many applications, interpretations, meanings, or values. M20.
b. noun. Cytology. An association of three or more completely or partly homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis. E20.

■ multivalence,

■ multivalency nouns the state or condition of being multivalent L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲