n.
Pronunciation: ' v ā -l ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin valentia power, capacity, from Latin valent-, valens, present participle of val ē re to be strong ― more at WIELD
Date: 1884
1 : the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (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 : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal <the relative potency of the valence s of success and failure ― Leon Festinger>