noun

valence

VAY-luhnss

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Valence (noun) means In chemistry, the combining power of an atom, measured by the number of chemical bonds it can form or the number of electrons it gains, loses or shares. Example: “Carbon has a valence of four, which is why it forms such complex molecules.”

noun

technical In chemistry, the combining power of an atom, measured by the number of chemical bonds it can form or the number of electrons it gains, loses or shares.

"Carbon has a valence of four, which is why it forms such complex molecules."

"Electrons in the outermost shell are called valence electrons."

technical In psychology, the intrinsic attractiveness or unpleasantness of something, treated as a value on a scale from positive to negative.

"The images were rated for both valence and arousal."

"Memories with a strong negative valence are recalled more readily."

technical In linguistics, the number and type of arguments a verb requires, such as a subject alone or a subject and two objects.

"'Give' has a valence of three: a giver, a thing given and a recipient."

How to use valence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow strongly something combines with, or pulls at, something else.

When to use it

Technical in every sense; the term rarely appears outside chemistry, psychology and linguistics.

Memory tip

Do not confuse the noun with 'valance', a pronounced the same way but meaning a decorative strip of fabric over a curtain rail or bed base.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

valency → variance → balance →

Common pairings

valence electrons valence shell emotional valence positive valence

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “valence” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Carbon has a _____ of four, which is why it forms such complex molecules.

Etymology

From Latin valentia 'strength, capacity', from valere 'to be strong'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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valency combining power

Related words

valency

Rhymes for valence

hence fence whence thence Spence absence science silence defence essence ambience opulence

See all rhymes for valence →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between valence and valency?

They are the same term in different spellings. 'Valence' is standard American usage and is now common everywhere in chemistry, while 'valency' remains usual in British scientific writing. Neither is wrong.

What are valence electrons?

They are the electrons in an atom's outermost shell. Because they are the ones available for bonding, they determine almost all of an element's chemical behaviour and its position in the periodic table.

What does valence mean in psychology?

It means how positive or negative an emotional experience or stimulus feels. A photograph of a puppy has positive valence and a photograph of an injury has negative valence, independent of how intense, or arousing, the reaction is.

What is the meaning of valence?

"valence" (noun) means in chemistry, the combining power of an atom, measured by the number of chemical bonds it can form or the number of electrons it gains, loses or shares.

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