Valence is defined by the IUPAC as:
:The maximum number of univalent atoms (originally hydrogen or chlorine atoms) that may combine with an atom of the element under consideration, or with a fragment, or for which an atom of this element can be substituted.
An alternative modern description is:
: The number of hydrogen atoms that can combine with an element in a binary hydride or twice the number of oxygen atoms combining with an element in its oxide or oxides.
This definition differs from the IUPAC definition as an element can be said to have more than one valence.