sentence2_structure: Valence<>is<>the term for the number of covalent bonds$$$the number of covalent bonds<>can form<>an atom
sentence1: Metallic bonding is an extension of covalent bonding where all the valence or outermost electrons are shared by all the constituent atoms of a material.
sentence2: Valence is the term for the number of covalent bonds an atom can form.
question: What is the term for the number of covalent bonds an atom can form?