polyvalent
/pɔ'livələnt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having more than one valence, or having a valence of 3 or higher: In chemistry, this describes an atom, ion, or element capable of forming multiple chemical bonds due to having more than one valence state.
- Containing several antibodies each capable of counteracting a specific antigen: In immunology and medicine, this describes a substance, especially a serum or vaccine, that is effective against multiple strains or types of a pathogen.
Examples of Usage
Chemistry:
- Iron is a polyvalent element, commonly forming both Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions.
- The polyvalent nature of the metal ion allows it to form complex compounds.
Immunology/Medicine:
- The patient received a polyvalent antivenom to treat the snakebite.
- A polyvalent vaccine protects against several strains of the influenza virus.
Advanced Usage
- In a broader, figurative sense: While less common, "polyvalent" can describe something or someone with multiple uses, functions, or skills.
- The new software is a polyvalent tool for data analysis and visualization.
- She is a polyvalent employee, adept at sales, marketing, and customer support.
Variants and Related Words
- Polyvalence (noun): The state or quality of being polyvalent.
- The polyvalence of the vaccine is its greatest advantage.
- Multivalent (adjective): A near-synonym, often used interchangeably, especially in chemistry and biology.
- A multivalent interaction between molecules.
Synonyms
- Multivalent: Having multiple values, valences, or specificities.
- Versatile: Capable of adapting or being used in many different functions (closer to the figurative sense).
Antonyms
- Monovalent/Univalent: Having a valence of one; effective against a single antigen or strain.
Adjective
- having more than one valence, or having a valence of 3 or higher
- containing several antibodies each capable of counteracting a specific antigen
- a polyvalent vaccine