[f. L. quanti- comb. form of quantum how much + -valence after equi-valence.]
1. Of a chemical element: The extent to which one of its atoms can hold other atoms in combination; valence; atomicity.
1871. Roscoe, Elem. Chem., 172. This difference of combining power is termed Quantivalence of the elements.
1882. J. B. Stallo, Concepts & The. Mod. Physics, 36. Dyads … and other elements of still higher quantivalence.
2. Mechanical equivalence.
1890. W. H. Broadbent, in Brit. Med. Jrnl., 9 Aug., 319/2. It shows that the quantivalence of nerve force is exceedingly small.
So Quantivalency = prec.; Quantivalent a. pertaining or relating to quantivalence.
