multivalent

adj 1: (genetics) used of the association of three or more

homologous chromosomes during the first division of

meiosis [ant: {univalent}, {bivalent}]

2: (chemistry) having more than one valence, or having a

valence of 3 or higher [syn: {polyvalent}] [ant: {monovalent}]

3: having many values, meanings, or appeals; "subtle,

multivalent allegory" [syn: {multi-valued}]