: having a valence of four

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetravalent was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Tetravalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetravalent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

tetravalent

adjective
: having a chemical valence of four
tetravalent carbon
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