1. having a valence of three; able to combine with three atoms of hydrogen or their equivalent
Usage: chemistry
2. having three values, meanings, or aspects
Usage: formal

Examples

• Aluminum is a trivalent metal that forms compounds with a +3 charge.
• Iron can exist in both divalent and trivalent states.
• The trivalent chromium ion is less toxic than hexavalent chromium.
• Boron typically forms trivalent compounds in its chemical reactions.
• The researcher studied the trivalent nature of the cultural symbol.
• Phosphorus commonly exhibits trivalent bonding in many organic molecules.