1. the combining power of an element, especially as measured by the number of hydrogen atoms it can displace or combine with
Usage: chemistry
2. the capacity of something to combine with or affect other things
Usage: formal

Examples

• The valencies of different elements determine how they bond in chemical compounds.
• Carbon has a valency of four, allowing it to form four covalent bonds.
• Students must memorize the valencies of common elements for the chemistry exam.
• The valencies of these ions explain their behavior in solution.
• Understanding valencies helps predict molecular structures.
• Different valencies of the same element can form various compounds.