valence
noun
va·lence
ˈvā-lən(t)s 
1
: the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (such as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
2
a
: relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)
b
[in part from valence in chemistry, in part borrowed from Late Latin valentia "power, capacity," noun derivative of Latin valent-, valens, present participle of valēre "to have strength, be well" — more at wield]
: the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal
the relative potency of the valences of success and failure—
Leon Festinger
Leon FestingerExamples of valence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hamas’s aims have been more concrete throughout the negotiating process, although as fighting persisted beyond just a few months, the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza added a new valence to the group’s demands.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Twenty-seven percent of the words in that one sentence have a positive valence – even out of context.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The title of the series has another valence too: Soleimani is making visible ghosts from her parents’ past, specters that have haunted her life as much as theirs.
—Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024
But charging another country’s soldiers with crimes has a political valence of its own.
—Annie Hylton, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for valence 
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Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Twenty-seven percent of the words in that one sentence have a positive valence – even out of context.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The title of the series has another valence too: Soleimani is making visible ghosts from her parents’ past, specters that have haunted her life as much as theirs.
—Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024
But charging another country’s soldiers with crimes has a political valence of its own.
—Annie Hylton, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for valence
Dictionary Entries Near valence
Cite this Entry
“Valence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valence. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
valence
noun
va·lence
ˈvā-lən(t)s
: the combining power of an atom as shown by the number of electrons in its outermost energy level that are lost, gained, or shared in the formation of chemical bonds
Medical Definition
valence
noun
va·lence
ˈvā-lən(t)s
1
a
: the degree of combining power of an element or radical as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element or the partial molecular weight of the radical will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
b
: a unit of valence
the four valences of carbon
2
a
: relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)
b
: the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or object possesses as a behavioral goal
the relative potency of the valences of success and failure—Leon Festinger
Leon FestingerLove words? Need even more definitions?
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