equivalent weight

noun

Definition of equivalent weight

: the mass of a substance especially in grams that combines with or is chemically equivalent to eight grams of oxygen or one gram of hydrogen : the atomic or molecular weight divided by the valence

Recent Examples of equivalent weight from the Web

The laptop's weight has increased ever so slightly to 2.45 pounds from 2.43 pounds, which HP made a point to mention is about the equivalent weight of a No.2 pencil.

— valentina palladino, Ars Technica, "HP Spectre 13 2017 review: A killer laptop, now touch-friendly," 10 Nov. 2017
The amount is the equivalent weight of roughly 950,000 American adults, or the population of Marion County, and made Indiana sixth in the country in terms of toxic release.

— sarah bowman, Indianapolis Star, "Danger zone: Indiana produces 6th most toxic chemicals in U.S.," 3 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'equivalent weight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of equivalent weight

circa 1855

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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