1. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom in forming an ionic bond; the valence of an element determined by electron transfer.
Usage: chemistry; also called ionic valence

Examples

• Sodium has an electrovalency of +1 because it loses one electron to form Na⁺ ions.
• The electrovalency of chlorine is −1 when it gains an electron to become Cl⁻.
• In ionic compounds, electrovalency determines how many electrons are transferred between atoms.
• Calcium exhibits an electrovalency of +2 in most of its compounds.
• Understanding electrovalency helps explain the formation of salts like sodium chloride.