covalence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “covalence” mean?
The number of covalent bonds an atom can form, or the state of being connected by covalent bonds involving shared electron pairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The number of covalent bonds an atom can form, or the state of being connected by covalent bonds involving shared electron pairs.
Metaphorically, it can refer to a strong, shared connection or interdependence between entities, though this usage is rare and primarily in specialized contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral in both variants, strictly technical.
Frequency
Equally low in general usage but common in scientific literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “covalence” in a Sentence
covalence of [atom][atom] has a covalence of [number]covalence between [atoms]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “covalence” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The atoms are bonded covalently in this compound.
American English
- These elements react covalently under standard conditions.
adjective
British English
- The covalent bond is particularly strong in diamond.
American English
- Covalent interactions dominate in organic molecules.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in industries related to chemicals or materials science.
Academic
Common in chemistry textbooks and research papers, describing atomic bonding.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Frequently used in chemistry, physics, and engineering contexts to discuss molecular structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “covalence”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “covalence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “covalence”
- Mispronouncing as /kɒvələns/ or /koʊvələns/ without the stress on the second syllable.
- Using 'covalence' as a verb, e.g., 'atoms covalence', instead of 'atoms form covalent bonds'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Valence is a broader term referring to an atom's combining capacity, which can include ionic and covalent bonds. Covalence specifically refers to the number of covalent bonds an atom can form.
Rarely. It is primarily a technical term in chemistry, though it might be used metaphorically in some contexts to describe strong shared connections.
In British English, it's pronounced /kəʊˈveɪləns/, and in American English, /koʊˈveɪləns/.
Yes, covalence and covalency are often used interchangeably in chemistry to refer to the same concept.
The number of covalent bonds an atom can form, or the state of being connected by covalent bonds involving shared electron pairs.
Covalence is usually technical/academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'co-' means together, and 'valence' relates to bonding, so covalence is about atoms bonding together by sharing electrons.
Conceptual Metaphor
Sharing is caring: covalent bonds represent a cooperative sharing of resources (electrons) between atoms.
Practice
Quiz
What does covalence refer to in chemistry?