MULTIVALENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Multivalence is a term used in different contexts to refer to the quality or property of having multiple meanings, interpretations, or functions. It implies that a particular word, idea, or object can be understood, described, or used in various ways or have different implications depending on the context.
In linguistic terms, multivalence describes the phenomenon where a word or phrase can have more than one possible meaning. This ambiguity may arise due to various factors, including cultural, historical, or situational factors, as well as variations in language use or interpretation. For example, homonyms possess multivalence because they share the same pronunciation but have different meanings, as in the case of "bark" referring to the sound of a dog or the outer layer of a tree.
In a broader sense, multivalence may also refer to the ability of a concept, symbol, or metaphor to have multiple interpretations or applications. This occurs frequently in literature, art, or any creative expression where an idea or image can evoke different emotions, thoughts, or understandings in different individuals. It highlights the richness and complexity of interpretation and encourages open-mindedness and diverse perspectives.
Furthermore, multivalence can be observed in scientific or technical fields, where a term, formula, or equation may have multiple applications or be interpreted differently depending on the specific context or discipline. This flexibility allows for the dynamic exploration of ideas, theories, and solutions across domains.
Overall, multivalence denotes the capacity of words, ideas, symbols, or objects to possess multiple meanings or functions, contributing to the richness, variability, and potential for interpretation and understanding within language and human experience.
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The property of having a combining power of more than one atom of hydrogen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MULTIVALENCE
- nultivalence
- kultivalence
- jultivalence
- myltivalence
- mhltivalence
- mjltivalence
- miltivalence
- m8ltivalence
- m7ltivalence
- muktivalence
- muptivalence
- muotivalence
- mulrivalence
- mulfivalence
- mulgivalence
- mulyivalence
- mul6ivalence
- mul5ivalence
- multuvalence
Etymology of MULTIVALENCE
The word "multivalence" is derived from two main components: "multi-" and "-valence".
1. "Multi-" comes from the Latin word "multus", which means "many" or "much". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate multiple or many of something. For example, in words like "multifunctional", "multiple", or "multidimensional", "multi-" is used to convey the idea of many or multiple qualities or aspects.
2. "-Valence" comes from the Latin word "valentia", which means "strength" or "power". It is derived from the Latin verb "valēre", meaning "to be strong" or "to be worth". In chemistry, "valence" refers to the combining capacity of an atom or molecule, specifically the number of chemical bonds it can form with other atoms.
Similar spelling words for MULTIVALENCE
- multiplexer,
- multiplied,
- mulltivalency,
- multi-valued,
- multipotent,
- multiplex,
- multivariate,
- multiphase,
- multiplier,
- multivalent,
- multivalency.
