equivalent weight


noun Chemistry.

the combining power, especially in grams (gram equivalent), of an element or compound, equivalent to hydrogen as a standard of 1.00797 or oxygen as a standard of 8; the atomic weight divided by the valence.

Origin of equivalent weight

First recorded in 1925–30

British Dictionary definitions for equivalent weight

equivalent weight

noun

the weight of an element or compound that will combine with or displace 8 grams of oxygen or 1.007 97 grams of hydrogen Also called: gram equivalent