[syn: multivalent, multi-valued]
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]
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]