octet rule

noun

A rule stating that atoms lose, gain, or share electrons in order to have a full valence shell of 8 electrons. (Hydrogen is excluded because it can hold a maximum of 2 electrons in its valence shell.)

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Meanings

noun
  1. chemistryA rule stating that atoms lose, gain, or share electrons in order to have a full valence shell of 8 electrons. (Hydrogen is excluded because it can hold a maximum of 2 electrons in its valence shell.)
  2. chemistryThe statement that when atoms combine to form molecules they generally each lose, gain, or share valence electrons until they attain or share eight; also called
Cite this entry
APA

octet rule. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/octet%20rule

MLA

“octet rule.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/octet%20rule. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “octet rule,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/octet%20rule.

Source: octet rule on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.