Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “covalently” come from?

Covalently derives from English covalent, combining Latin co- with English valent, which traces through Proto-Germanic galīkaz and -līkaz back to Proto-Indo-European līg- and ḱóm meaning "together."

covalently (English): Using covalent bonds

Definitions

  1. Using covalent bonds

Ancestry of “covalently”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishcovalentContaining or characterized by a covalent bond
2Englishco-together; mutually; jointly; partner or...
3Latinco-allomorph of con-
4Latincōn-—
5Latincumwith, along with; at; -fold
6Old LatincomAlternative form of cum
7Proto-Italickomwith, along, at
8Proto-Indo-Europeanḱómbeside, near, by, with
9Proto-Indo-EuropeanḱeDeictic particle, here; Post-positional...
10Middle Englishkyt—
11Germankitt—
12Old High Germankuti—
13Proto-West Germanickwidugum, resin
14Proto-Germanickweduzresin
15Proto-Indo-Europeangʷet-resin, gum; to say, speak
16Proto-Indo-Europeangū-to bend; curve; arch; vault; to bow, bend, arch,...

Words derived from “covalently”

  • noncovalently
Every word from Proto-Indo-European gū- →