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What is "polyvalent"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Polyvalent

Polyvalent \Po*lyv"a*lent\, a. [Poly- + L. valens, p. pr. See Valent.] (Chem.) Multivalent.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
polyvalent

1881, from poly- + -valent, from Latin valentem, present participle of valere "be worth" (see valiant). Coined by German chemist Emil Erlenmeyer (1825-1909), who also designed the flask that bears his name.

Wiktionary
polyvalent

a. 1 multivalent; having a number of different forms, purposes, meanings, aspects or principles. 2 (context chemistry English) Having a high valence, especially more than three 3 (context chemistry English) Having multiple valencies 4 (context biology English) Containing antibodies to more than one kind of pathogen

WordNet
polyvalent

  1. adj. containing several antibodies each capable of counteracting a specific antigen; "a polyvalent vaccine" [ant: monovalent]

  2. having more than one valence, or having a valence of 3 or higher [syn: multivalent] [ant: monovalent]

Usage examples of "polyvalent".

I can spend twenty years as a dematerialization expert, fifteen in polyvalent levitation, a dozen as a symptom-peddler.

Walser thrilled, as always, to the shop-soiled yet polyvalent romance of the image.

There is no risk from allergic reaction to polyvalent antivenin because none is used.

I can spend twenty years as a dematerialization expert, fifteen in polyvalent levitation, a dozen as a symptom-peddler.