equation

noun

equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən 

 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

The site compared energy bills in each of the 50 states using an equation that accounts for electricity, natural gas, motor fuel and home heating oil. —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 9 July 2024

Meanwhile, the supply side of the equation has been even more out of whack. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 July 2024

Rate change filings up 50% Auto and homeowner policy rates are just one part of the equation when a customer premium is being determined by an insurer. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2024

Even when taking volatile food and energy prices out of the equation, the downward trajectory was clear: The core PCE price index showed prices ticking up just 0.1% for the month, the slowest pace since November, and pulling the annual rate down to a fresh three-year low of 2.6% from 2.8%. —Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing equation

• characteristic equation
• cubic equation
• differential equation
• Diophantine equation
• enter (into) the equation
• equation of time
• linear equation
• parametric equation
• partial differential equation
• personal equation
• quadratic equation
• Schrödinger equation
• simple equation
• wave equation

Kids Definition

equation

noun

equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən 

 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