The numerical measure of the tendency of an atom to attract and pull electrons toward itself in a chemical bond.
From electronegative + -ity (suffix forming abstract nouns). Formalized as a measurable chemical property in the 20th century using the Pauling scale.
Electronegativity is why chemistry works the way it does—fluorine has the highest electronegativity and will steal electrons from almost anything, while cesium barely holds onto its electrons, and this difference drives nearly all chemistry.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.