1. having two valences or combining capacities
Usage: chemistry
2. having a double or twofold nature; ambivalent
Usage: psychology; formal
3. consisting of two homologous chromosomes paired together
Usage: biology; genetics

Examples

• Calcium is a bivalent metal that forms ionic compounds readily.
• The oxygen atom is bivalent in most of its compounds.
• Her bivalent feelings about the job offer made the decision difficult.
• The researcher studied bivalent chromosomes during meiosis.
• Magnesium exhibits bivalent behavior in chemical reactions.
• The bivalent nature of the symbol allowed for multiple interpretations.