How Do You Spell SEXVALENT?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛksve͡ɪlənt] (IPA)

The word "sexvalent" is spelled as /sɛksveɪlənt/. The term is used in chemistry to describe a molecule or atom that has six valence electrons. The first part of the word, 'sex,' refers to the Latin word for 'six,' while the suffix 'valent' refers to the valence, or bonding capacity, of an atom. This term is not commonly used outside of chemistry and may be unfamiliar to many. However, it is an important term for those studying chemical reactions and properties.

SEXVALENT Meaning and Definition

1. Sexvalent is a term used in biology to describe a species or organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs within a single individual. The term derives from the Latin words "sexus," meaning sex, and "valent," meaning having. This unique characteristic allows sexvalent organisms to engage in self-fertilization, in which the individual can reproduce independently without the need for a separate partner.

   Sexvalent organisms can be found in various taxonomic groups, including plants, animals, and even some fungi. For instance, certain hermaphroditic flowers are considered sexvalent as they have both male stamens and female pistils within the same flower. Some aquatic invertebrates, such as snails or earthworms, are also sexvalent, exhibiting both male and female reproductive organs simultaneously.

   This reproductive strategy offers certain advantages, such as ensuring fertilization and offspring production even in situations where suitable mates may be scarce. It also provides these organisms with the ability to colonize new habitats effectively. While self-fertilization is possible, many sexvalent organisms still rely on cross-fertilization with other individuals to increase genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding.

   In summary, sexvalent refers to an organism or species that possesses both male and female reproductive organs, enabling self-fertilization and independent reproduction.

2. Sexivalent.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SEXVALENT

• sexavalent
• Sexavalant
• aexvalent
• zexvalent
• xexvalent
• dexvalent
• eexvalent
• wexvalent
• swxvalent
• ssxvalent
• sdxvalent
• srxvalent
• s4xvalent
• s3xvalent
• sezvalent
• secvalent
• sedvalent
• sesvalent
• sexcalent
• sexbalent

Etymology of SEXVALENT

The word "sexvalent" is derived from a combination of two Latin words: "sex" meaning "six" and "valent" meaning "having power" or "being strong". In the context of chemistry, the term "sexvalent" is used to describe an element or compound with a valence of six, meaning it can form six chemical bonds. The word is a fusion of these Latin roots to create a term specific to the field of chemistry.