I. “+ adjective
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary poly- + valent
: having multiple valence: as
a.
(1) : having a valence or oxidation state greater usually than two
polyvalent ions
(2) : having variable valence or oxidation state
nitrogen is polyvalent , exhibiting oxidation states of from -3 to +5 in compounds
b.
(1) : capable of interacting with or counteracting more than one toxin, antigen, or kind of microorganism
a polyvalent vaccine
polyvalent antivenin
(2) : effective against or sensitive toward more than one exciting agent
polyvalent immunity
polyvalent sensitivity
c. : multivalent 2
II. noun
( -s )
: a multivalent chromosome group