Main Entry:

equiv·a·lent

Pronunciation:

\-lənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

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 function4obsolete : equal in might or authority5: 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

synonyms see same

— equivalent noun

— equiv·a·lent·ly adverb