| a. | 1. | (Chem.) Equivalent in combining or displacing power to two atoms of hydrogen; dyad. |
| Adj. | 1. | bivalent - having a valence of two or having two valences Synonyms: divalent |
| 2. | bivalent - used of homologous chromosomes associated in pairs in synapsis Synonyms: double Antonyms: multivalent - used of the association of three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis univalent - used of a chromosome that is not paired or united with its homologous chromosome during synapsis; "a univalent chromosome" |