covalent bond
nounUK /kəʊˈveɪlənt bɒnd/
US /koʊˈveɪlənt bɑːnd/
A covalent bond is when two atoms share tiny electrons so they can stick together.
The two hydrogen atoms form a covalent bond to make a hydrogen molecule.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A strong chemical link formed when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.
Water molecules are held together by covalent bonds between oxygen and hydrogen.
3. The attraction that keeps nonmetal atoms joined in a molecule.
Carbon dioxide contains two covalent bonds, one for each oxygen atom.
4. A bond in which neither atom fully gives away its electrons.
In a covalent bond, the shared electrons belong to both atoms at once.