bivalent in English
- bivalent⇄adj. 1a. having a valence of 2; divalent.
b. having two valences, as bismuth.
2. double (applied to a pair of homologous chromosomes when united in synapsis). - bivalent⇄bivalent, adjective, noun.
- bivalent⇄noun a bivalent pair of chromosomes.
bivalent
Part of Speech
Adjective, Noun
Pronunciation
bi·va·lent /ˌbaɪˈveɪlənt/
Definitions
- Having two valences, meanings, or functions.
- In genetics, relating to a chromosome that is paired during meiosis.
- In chemistry, having two bonds or combining sites available for bonding.
Usage Examples
- Her research on bivalent vaccines has shown promising results in preventing multiple diseases.
- In the laboratory, the bivalent nature of the molecule allows for dual binding to its target.
Etymology
From Latin "bi-" meaning "two" and "valent" meaning "having power" or "strength."
Synonyms
- Dual
- Twofold
- Double
Antonyms
- Monovalent
- Univalent
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | bivalente | /biβaˈlente/ |
| French | bivalent | /bi.va.lɑ̃/ |
| German | bivalent | /biː.vaˈlɛnt/ |
| Italian | bivalente | /bi.vaˈlente/ |
| Portuguese | bivalente | /bi.vaˈlẽ.tʃi/ |
| Russian | бивалентный | /bʲɪvɐˈlʲɛntnɨj/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 双价 | /shuāngjià/ |
| Arabic | ثنائي القيمة | /θuːnaːʔī alqīmah/ |
| Japanese | 二価 | /nikā/ |
| Korean | 이가 | /iga/ |
| Hindi | द्विवैलिएन्ट | /dvivāliyent/ |
| Bengali | দ্বিমূলক | /dbimūlk/ |
| Punjabi | ਦਵਿਵੈਲੈਂਟ | /dvivailent/ |
| Marathi | द्वैविध | /dvaividh/ |
| Gujarati | દ્વિ-મુલ્ય | /dvi-mulya/ |
| Tamil | இருமூலம் | /irumoolam/ |
| Telugu | ద్విమూలకం | /dvīmūlakaṁ/ |
| Malayalam | ദ്വിവിഭാഗികം | /dvibhāgikaṁ/ |
| Kannada | ದ್ವಿವಿಧ | /dvividha/ |
| Odia | ଦ୍ୱିବାଲେଣ୍ଟ | /dwi-bāleṇṭ/ |
| Assamese | দ্বৈমূলক | /dvoimūlok/ |
| Maithili | द्विवैध | /dvivaidh/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In some European regions, the word may be pronounced with a softer "v" sound, like "bee-va-lent."
- In some Indian languages, the "bi" sound may be pronounced more sharply, as in "bi-va-lent" with emphasis on the first syllable.
Historical Usage
The term "bivalent" was first introduced in scientific contexts during the late 19th century, primarily within the fields of chemistry and genetics. It has since become more commonly used in the context of immunology, particularly referring to vaccines that target two distinct strains of a pathogen.
Cultural Nuances
In certain contexts, "bivalent" can also describe duality in cultural or philosophical concepts. For example, it may be used to describe a person or idea that encompasses two contrasting or opposing attributes.
More Information
The word "bivalent" has several applications depending on the field of study. In genetics, it refers to paired chromosomes during meiosis, whereas in immunology, it may refer to vaccines or antibodies that target two different diseases. The term also finds relevance in philosophy and logic, where it might indicate two possible outcomes or states. Its use across different disciplines highlights the flexibility of the concept, whether in science or abstract thinking.