Electrovalent

/ɪˌlɛktrəˈveɪlənt/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms; describing ionic bonding.

Etymology

From electrovalence + -ent suffix. Developed in chemical terminology in the late 1800s to describe bonds formed through electron transfer rather than electron sharing.

Kelly Says

Electrovalent bonds are the stronger, more dramatic cousins of covalent bonds—when atoms transfer electrons completely, they create the powerful ionic attractions that hold together table salt and other ionic compounds.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.