multivalent

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

multivalent
    adj 1: used of the association of three or more homologous
           chromosomes during the first division of meiosis [ant:
           {bivalent}, {double}, {univalent}]
    2: having more than one valence, or having a valence of 3 or
       higher [syn: {polyvalent}, {multivalent}] [ant: {monovalent},
       {univalent}]
    3: having many values, meanings, or appeals; "subtle,
       multivalent allegory" [syn: {multivalent}, {multi-valued}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Multivalent \Mul*tiv"a*lent\, a. [Multi- + L. valens, p. pr. See
   {Valence}.]
   1. (Chem.)
      (a) Having a valence greater than one, as silicon.
      (b) Having more than one degree of valence, as sulphur.
          [1913 Webster]

   2. (Immunology) Having multiple antigen-binding sites; -- of
      antibody molecules.
      [PJC]

   3. (Immunology) Containing several types of antibody, to
      protect against more than one disease; polyvalent; -- of
      vaccines.
      [PJC]

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