equation

noun

equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən How to pronounce equation (audio)
 also  -shən
1
a
: the act or process of equating
b(1)
: an element affecting a process : factor
(2)
: a complex of variable factors
c
: a state of being equated
specifically : a state of close association or identification
bring governmental enterprises and payment for them into immediate equation R. G. Tugwell
2
a
: a usually formal statement of the equality or equivalence of mathematical or logical expressions
b
: an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols

Examples of equation in a Sentence

the equation of material wealth with happiness
Recent Examples on the Web But the second part of the equation is liquidity, which helps to explain the difference in the stock market’s strong performance compared with its relatively muted earnings growth, according to Wilson. Will Daniel, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 To stave off intimidation, Gauff tried to think of her opponent as faceless and anonymous; to take Venus out of the equation. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 But empowerment is but a part of the equation, Towler said. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 Despite this optimistic proposal, De Laurentiis ultimately decided to take the author out of the equation. Max Evry, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024 The other thirds of the equation are played by Teo Yoo and John Magaro. Leanne Italie, Quartz, 2 Mar. 2024 Pielke offers a startling equation: Achieving net-zero fossil fuels by 2050 would require the construction of 1 nuclear power plant per day (average 1.75 GW capacity) — starting today and continuing every day until 2050. Ian Palmer, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 And only very special equations have that property. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Where density sample data was insufficient for interpolation, density values were derived from a regression equation based on the iron value of the block. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near equation

Cite this Entry

“Equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

equation

noun
equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən How to pronounce equation (audio)
 also  -shən
1
: the act or process of equating : the state of being equated
2
a
: a statement of the equality of two mathematical expressions
b
: an expression involving chemical symbols for a chemical reaction

Medical Definition

equation

noun
equa·​tion
i-ˈkwā-zhən also -shən
: an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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