Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “covalent” come from?

Covalent derives from Latin co- (together) combined with valent, from Latin valēns (strong, powerful), ultimately describing bonds where atoms share strength together.

covalent (English): Containing or characterized by a covalent bond

Definitions

  1. Containing or characterized by a covalent bond

Ancestry of “covalent”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Englishco-together; mutually; jointly; partner or...
2Latinco-allomorph of con-
3Latincōn-—
4Latincumwith, along with; at; -fold
5Old LatincomAlternative form of cum
6Proto-Italickomwith, along, at
7Proto-Indo-Europeanḱómbeside, near, by, with
8Proto-Indo-EuropeanḱeDeictic particle, here; Post-positional...
9Middle Englishkyt—
10Germankitt—
11Old High Germankuti—
12Proto-West Germanickwidugum, resin
13Proto-Germanickweduzresin
14Proto-Indo-Europeangʷet-resin, gum; to say, speak
15Proto-Indo-Europeangū-to bend; curve; arch; vault; to bow, bend, arch,...

Words derived from “covalent”

  • covalently
  • noncovalent
  • noncovalently
  • ionocovalent
Every word from Proto-Indo-European gū- →