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equivalent

 - 7 dictionary results

e⋅quiv⋅a⋅lent

  [i-kwiv-uh-luhnt or, for 5, ee-kwuh-vey-luhnt]
Use equivalent in a Sentence
–adjective
1. equal in value, measure, force, effect, significance, etc.: His silence is equivalent to an admission of guilt.
2. corresponding in position, function, etc.: In some ways their prime minister is equivalent to our president.
3. Geometry. having the same extent, as a triangle and a square of equal area.
4. Mathematics. (of two sets) able to be placed in one-to-one correspondence.
5. Chemistry. having the same capacity to combine or react chemically.
–noun
6. something that is equivalent.
Origin:
1425–75; late ME < LL aequivalent- (s. of aequivalēns), prp. of aequivalēre. See equi-, -valent

Related forms:
e⋅quiv⋅a⋅lent⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. See equal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To equivalent
e·quiv·a·lent   (ĭ-kwĭv'ə-lənt)   
adj.  

    1. Equal, as in value, force, or meaning.

    2. Having similar or identical effects.

    3. Capable of being put into a one-to-one relationship. Used of two sets.

    4. Having virtually identical or corresponding parts.

    5. Of or relating to corresponding elements under an equivalence relation.

  2. Being essentially equal, all things considered: a wish that was equivalent to a command.

  3. Mathematics

    1. Capable of being put into a one-to-one relationship. Used of two sets.

    2. Having virtually identical or corresponding parts.

    3. Of or relating to corresponding elements under an equivalence relation.

  4. Chemistry Having the same ability to combine.

  5. Logic Having equivalence: equivalent propositions.

n.  

  1. Something that is essentially equal to another: "Prejudicing vital foreign policy considerations in order to rescue individuals finds its domestic equivalent in the inflated awards paid to ... accident and malpractice victims" (Moorhead Kennedy).

  2. Chemistry Equivalent weight.


[Middle English, from Late Latin aequivalēns, aequivalent-, present participle of aequivalēre, to have equal force : Latin aequi-, equi- + Latin valēre, to be strong; see wal- in Indo-European roots.]
e·quiv'a·lent·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

equivalent 
c.1460, from L.L. æquivalentem (nom. æquivalens) "equivalent," pp. of æquivalere "be equivalent," from L. æquus "equal" + valere "be well, be worth" (see valiant).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: eq·uiv·a·lent
Function: noun
: something that performs substantially the same function as another thing in substantially the same way —compare AGGREGATION, COMBINATION, INVENTION
NOTE: Under patent law, a patentee may bring a claim for infringement against the inventor of an equivalent.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 1equiv·a·lent
Pronunciation: -l&nt
Function: adjective
1 : corresponding or virtually identical especiallyin effect or function equivalent>
2 : having the same chemical combining capacity <equivalent quantities of two elements>

Main Entry: 2equivalent
Function: noun
1 a : the relative weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of anotherelement : the atomic weight divided by the valence b : the relative weight of a radical or compound that combines with a given weight of an element, radical, or compound;especially : the weight of a compound that reacts with one equivalent of a given chemical element
2 : a psychopathological symptom replacing the usual one in agiven disorder equivalent>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

equivalent e·quiv·a·lent (ĭ-kwĭv'ə-lənt)
adj.
Equal, as in value, force, or meaning.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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