Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a valence of three: In chemistry, describes an atom, ion, or element that can form three covalent bonds or has a combining power of three.

Usage

• This term is primarily used in scientific contexts, especially chemistry, to specify the bonding capacity of an element or radical.
• It is a technical descriptor and is not commonly used in everyday language.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Aluminum is a trivalent element.
  • The trivalent chromium ion is commonly used in industrial processes.
  • Nitrogen can be trivalent, as seen in ammonia (NH₃).

Advanced Usage

• In Immunology: The term can describe a vaccine designed to protect against three different strains or types of a virus (e.g., a trivalent influenza vaccine). This is a specialized extension of the core meaning, indicating "having three components."
  • The seasonal flu shot is often a trivalent vaccine.

Variants and Related Words

• Trivalence (n): The state or condition of being trivalent.
  • The trivalence of boron is a key feature of its chemistry.

Synonyms

• Triadic (in a general sense of being triple or threefold, though not specific to chemistry).
• Having a valency of three.

Antonyms

• Monovalent (having a valence of one).
• Divalent (having a valence of two).

Adjective

1. having a valence of three