monovalent
/'mɔnou'veilənt/
Definition
- Adjective (Chemistry):
- Having a valence of one. This means an atom or ion can form only one covalent bond or combine with a single atom of another element.
- Adjective (Immunology/Biology):
- Containing or involving only one kind of antibody. This often refers to a vaccine or serum that protects against a single strain or type of microorganism.
Usage and Examples
- Chemistry Context:
- Sodium is a monovalent metal, forming compounds like NaCl.
- A monovalent ion, such as K⁺, carries a single positive charge.
- Immunology/Biology Context:
- The early polio vaccine was monovalent, targeting only one of the three virus types.
- A monovalent antiserum is specific to a single antigen.
Advanced Usage
- In Genetics: The term can describe a chromosome that has no homologous partner during meiosis.
- The unpaired chromosome remained monovalent during the first division.
Variants and Related Words
- Univalent: A synonym, particularly common in chemistry and genetics.
- Univalent atoms are also called monovalent.
- Divalent: Having a valence of two.
- Polyvalent/Multivalent: Having multiple valences or containing several different antibodies.
Synonyms
- Univalent (for chemistry/valence meaning)
- Specific (for immunology, implying action against a single target)
Antonyms
- Polyvalent
- Multivalent
Notes
- In chemistry, "monovalent" is synonymous with "univalent."
- In biology/medicine, a "monovalent vaccine" contrasts with a "polyvalent" or "combination" vaccine, which immunizes against several diseases or strains at once.
Adjective
-
having a valence of 1
-
containing only one kind of antibody
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