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Definition

adjective

(genetics) Of, or pertaining to, a chromosome that is not paired or associated or joined with its homologous chromosome during meiosis.

(chemistry) Having a valence of one; capable of combining with, or of being substituted for, one atom of hydrogen; monovalent; said of certain atoms and radicals.

Supplement

(genetics) For example a chromosome that is not paired with its homologue during the synapsis period of Prophase I of Meiosis I is referred to as a univalent chromosome.

Word origin: uni- (a combining form that means single or one) + valent from valence.

Related forms: univalence (noun)

Compare: bivalent, polyvalent

See also: valence