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 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

synonyms see same

— equivalent noun

— equiv·a·lent·ly adverb