electronegative

[ ih-lek-troh-neg-uh-tiv ]
/ ɪˌlɛk troʊˈnɛg ə tɪv /

adjective Physical Chemistry.

containing negative electricity; tending to migrate to the positive pole in electrolysis.
assuming negative potential when in contact with a dissimilar substance.
nonmetallic.

Origin of electronegative

First recorded in 1800–10; electro- + negative

OTHER WORDS FROM electronegative

e·lec·tro·neg·a·tiv·i·ty, noun

Words nearby electronegative

electron volt, electron-neutrino, electron-ray tube, electron-volt, electronarcosis, electronegative, electronegativity, electroneurography, electroneuromyography, electroneutral, electronic

British Dictionary definitions for electronegativity (1 of 2)

electronegativity
/ (ɪˌlɛktrəʊˌnɛɡəˈtɪvɪtɪ) /

noun

the state of being electronegative
a measure of the ability of a specified atom to attract electrons in a molecule

British Dictionary definitions for electronegativity (2 of 2)

electronegative
/ (ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈnɛɡətɪv) /

adjective

having a negative electric charge
(of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to gain or attract electrons and form negative ions or polarized bonds Compare electropositive

Medical definitions for electronegativity

electronegative
[ ĭ-lĕk′trō-nĕg′ə-tĭv ]

adj.

Having a negative electric charge.
Tending to attract electrons to form a chemical bond.
Capable of acting as a negative electrode.

Scientific definitions for electronegativity

electronegative
[ ĭ-lĕk′trō-nĕg′ə-tĭv ]

Tending to attract electrons and to form a negative ion. Nonmetals are generally electronegative.
Having a negative electric charge.
Capable of acting as a negative electrode.