triatomic Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tri`a*tom"ic adjective

Etymology

Pref. tri- + atomic.

Definitions

1. (Chem.) (a) Having three atoms; -- said of certain elements or radicals. (b) Having a valence of three; trivalent; sometimes, in a specific sense, having three hydroxyl groups, whether acid or basic; thus, glycerin, glyceric acid, and tartronic acid are each triatomic.