multivalency

/ˌmʌltiˈveɪlənsi/
noun
  1. The quality or state of having many different meanings, uses, or values.
    • In art criticism, the multivalency of a symbol allows for multiple interpretations.
    • The multivalency of the data made it useful for several different research projects.
    • The multivalency of the word 'light' can confuse new English learners.
  2. In chemistry, the property of an atom or molecule of having more than one valence or combining power.
    • The multivalency of iron allows it to form compounds with different oxidation states.
    • Carbon exhibits multivalency by forming bonds with up to four other atoms.
    • Understanding multivalency is key to predicting how elements will react in a compound.
Synonyms
What does "multivalency" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean