electrovalentadj.
/ᵻˌlɛktrəʊˈveɪlənt/, /ᵻˌlɛktrəʊˈveɪln̩t/, U.S. /əˌlɛktrəˈveɪl(ə)nt/, /iˌlɛktrəˈveɪl(ə)nt/ Chemistry.
Designating a bond that results from electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions; involving or containing such a bond. Cf. ionic adj.2 2. Contrasted with covalent.
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the world > matter > chemistry > chemical bonding > [adjective] > of or relating to polar bonding > of or relating to an electrovalent or ionic bond
electrovalent1925
ionic1939
1925 Jrnl. Physical Chem. 29 789 The drawing of a distinction between the influence of environment upon the breaking of a co-valent bond and its effect upon that of an electro-valent bond.
1940 G. H. J. Adlam & L. S. Price Higher School Certificate Inorg. Chem. (ed. 2) lviii. 599 The compounds are polar or electrovalent compounds.
1953 A. G. E. Pearse Histochem. v. 83 Extended chains of C and N atoms held together by lateral bonds of an electrovalent nature.
1995 New Scientist 23 Dec. 63/1 Wool also contains covalent and electrovalent cross-links which allow the fabric to be permanently pleated by breaking and re-forming the bonds.
2001 S. T. Asma Stuffed Animals & Pickled Heads vi. 213 You cannot figure out how the electrovalent bonding of ions works by looking through the Bible.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1925