e·quiv·a·lent
(ĭ-kwĭv́ə-lənt)
[Middle English, from Late Latin aequivalēns, aequivalent- present participle of aequivalēre, to have equal force, Latin aequi-, equi-, + Latin valēre, to be strong.]
adjective
- Equal, as in value, force, or meaning.
- Having similar or identical effects.
- Being essentially equal, all things considered: a wish that was equivalent to a command.
- Mathematics
- Capable of being put into a one-to-one relationship. Used of two sets.
- Having virtually identical or corresponding parts.
- Of or relating to corresponding elements under an equivalence relation.
- Chemistry Having the same ability to combine.
- Logic Having equivalence: equivalent propositions.
noun
- Something that is essentially equal to another: “Prejudicing vital foreign policy considerations in order to rescue individuals finds its domestic equivalent in the inflated awards paid to … accident and malpractice victims” (Moorhead Kennedy)
- Chemistry Equivalent weight.
derivatives
- e·quiv́a·lent·ly
- adverb
