trivalent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective having a valence of three

WordNet

Triv"a*lent adjective
Etymology
Pref. tri- + L. valens, -entis, p. pr. See Valence.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) Having a valence of three; capable of being combined with, substituted for, or compared with, three atoms of hydrogen; -- said of triad atoms or radicals; thus, nitrogen is trivalent in ammonia.

Webster 1913