multivalent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective used of the association of three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis
  2. adjective having more than one valence, or having a valence of 3 or higher
    polyvalent.
  3. adjective satellite having many values, meanings, or appeals
    multi-valued.
    • subtle, multivalent allegory

WordNet

Mul*tiv"a*lent adjective
Etymology
Multi- + L. valens, p. pr. See Valence.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) (a) Having a valence greater than one, as silicon. (b) Having more than one degree of valence, as sulphur.

Webster 1913