electrovalent bond
nounUK /ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈveɪlənt bɒnd/
US /ɪˌlɛktroʊˈveɪlənt bɑnd/
A bond where one atom gives electrons to another atom, so they stick together like magnets.
Table salt is held together by an electrovalent bond between sodium and chlorine.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A chemical connection formed by the complete transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal.
The electrovalent bond in magnesium oxide makes it a strong, high-melting solid.
3. The attraction between oppositely charged ions in a crystal lattice.
In an electrovalent bond, the positive and negative ions pull on each other from all sides.
4. A type of atomic joining often contrasted with a covalent bond, where electrons are shared instead of given away.
Teachers use the electrovalent bond to explain why salts conduct electricity when melted.