What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polyvalency
Example
The word 'bank' has polyvalency, as it can refer to a financial institution, a river bank, or a place to store something. [polyvalency: noun]
Example
The polyvalency of oxygen allows it to form compounds with different valences, such as water (H2O) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). [polyvalency: noun]
multivalency
Example
The multivalency of metal ions allows them to form coordination complexes with multiple ligands. [multivalency: noun]
Example
The transcription factor p53 exhibits multivalency, as it regulates genes involved in cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis. [multivalency: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polyvalency is more commonly used than multivalency in everyday language, especially in the fields of linguistics and chemistry. Multivalency is more specialized and is mainly used in the fields of biology and biochemistry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between polyvalency and multivalency?
Both polyvalency and multivalency are technical terms that are more commonly used in formal or academic contexts. However, polyvalency may be more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while multivalency is more specific and may be less suitable for informal use.
