equivalent

[ ih-kwiv-uh-luh nt or for 5, ee-kwuh-vey-luh nt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv ə lənt or for 5, ˌi kwəˈveɪ lənt /

adjective

equal in value, measure, force, effect, significance, etc.: His silence is equivalent to an admission of guilt.
corresponding in position, function, etc.: In some ways their prime minister is equivalent to our president.
Geometry. having the same extent, as a triangle and a square of equal area.
Mathematics. (of two sets) able to be placed in one-to-one correspondence.
Chemistry. having the same capacity to combine or react chemically.

noun

something that is equivalent.

Origin of equivalent

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin aequivalent- (stem of aequivalēns), present participle of aequivalēre. See equi-, -valent

SYNONYMS FOR equivalent

1 See equal.

OTHER WORDS FROM equivalent

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH equivalent

equivalent equivocal

Example sentences from the Web for equivalent

British Dictionary definitions for equivalent

equivalent
/ (ɪˈkwɪvələnt) /

adjective

equal or interchangeable in value, quantity, significance, etc
having the same or a similar effect or meaning
maths
  1. having a particular property in common; equal
  2. (of two equations or inequalities) having the same set of solutions
  3. (of two sets) having the same cardinal number
maths logic (of two propositions) having an equivalence between them

noun

something that is equivalent
short for equivalent weight

Derived forms of equivalent

equivalently, adverb

Word Origin for equivalent

C15: from Late Latin aequivalēns, from aequivalēre to be equally significant, from Latin aequi- equi- + valēre to be worth

Medical definitions for equivalent

equivalent
[ ĭ-kwĭvə-lənt ]

adj.

Equal, as in value, force, or meaning.

Scientific definitions for equivalent

equivalent
[ ĭ-kwĭvə-lənt ]

Equal, as in value, meaning, or force.
  1. Of or relating to a relation between two elements that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
  2. Having a one-to-one correspondence, as between parts. Two triangles having the same area are equivalent, as are two congruent geometric figures.