[i-lek-troh-vey-luh
ns] 
| 1. | Also called polar valence. the valence of an ion, equal to the number of positive or negative charges acquired by an atom through a loss or gain of electrons. |
| 2. | Also called electrovalent bond. ionic bond. |
| the electrostatic bond between two ions formed through the transfer of one or more electrons. |
| electrovalent bond n. See ionic bond. |
| ionic bond n. A chemical bond between two ions with opposite charges, characteristic of salts. Also called electrovalent bond. |
A chemical bond in which one atom gives up an electron to another, thereby generating an electrical force that holds the atoms together.
Note: Many crystals are held together by ionic bonds.