scorpionate
English
Etymology 1
From scorpion + -ate (adjective-forming suffix), from the pincer-like nature of the binding.
Adjective
scorpionate (not comparable)
- (chemistry, of a ligand) Being tridentate, so as to bind to a metal in a fac manner (or facial; said of an isomer when three of its ligands, when identical, occupy one face of an octahedron).
Etymology 2
From a substantivation of the above adjective. Equivalent to scorpion + -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Noun
scorpionate (plural scorpionates)
- (chemistry) A ligand having a tridentate form.