covalent bond

This term describes a specific type of chemical interaction characterized by the mutual sharing of valence electrons. It is most commonly associated with nonmetal atoms that have similar electronegativities, creating a stable molecular structure. This differs from an ionic bond, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another rather than shared.

In a technical context, the term is often subdivided into polar and nonpolar varieties depending on how evenly the electrons are distributed between the bonded atoms. It is a foundational concept in organic chemistry, as the carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds that form the backbone of organic molecules are covalent.