equivalent

equiv·a·lent

adj \-lənt\

Definition of EQUIVALENT

1

: equal in force, amount, or value; also : equal in area or volume but not superposable <a square equivalent to a triangle>

2

a : like in signification or import b : having logical equivalence <equivalent statements>

3

: corresponding or virtually identical especially in effect or function

4

obsolete : equal in might or authority

5

: having the same chemical combining capacity <equivalent quantities of two elements>

6

a : having the same solution set <equivalent equations> b : capable of being placed in one-to-one correspondence <equivalent sets> c : related by an equivalence relation

— equivalent noun

— equiv·a·lent·ly adverb

Examples of EQUIVALENT

1. Those less-known companies manufacture equivalent products at cheaper prices.
2. I haven't taken English 202, but I took an equivalent course at another university.
3. an equivalent amount of money

Origin of EQUIVALENT

Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin aequivalent-, aequivalens, present participle of aequivalēre to have equal power, from Latin aequi- + valēre to be strong — more at wield

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with EQUIVALENT

ambivalent