equation
Americannoun
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the act of equating or making equal; equalization.
the symbolic equation of darkness with death.
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equally balanced state; equilibrium.
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Mathematics. an expression or a proposition, often algebraic, asserting the equality of two quantities.
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Also called chemical equation. Chemistry. a symbolic representation showing the kind and amount of the starting materials and products of a reaction.
noun
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a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal: it is either an identity in which the variables can assume any value, or a conditional equation in which the variables have only certain values (roots)
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the act of regarding as equal; equating
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the act of making equal or balanced; equalization
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a situation, esp one regarded as having a number of conflicting elements
what you want doesn't come into the equation
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the state of being equal, equivalent, or equally balanced
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a situation or problem in which a number of factors need to be considered
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astronomy See personal equation
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Mathematics A written statement indicating the equality of two expressions. It consists of a sequence of symbols that is split into left and right sides joined by an equal sign. For example, 2 + 3 + 5 = 10 is an equation.
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Chemistry A written representation of a chemical reaction, in which the symbols and amounts of the reactants are separated from those of the products by an equal sign, arrow, or a set of opposing arrows. For example, Ca(OH) 2 + H 2 SO 4 = CaSO 4 + 2H 2 O, is an equation.
Other Word Forms
- equational adjective
- equationally adverb
- nonequation noun
Etymology
Origin of equation
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin aequātiōn- (stem of aequātiō ) an equalizing. See equate, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That changes the equation in the Middle East, even if the regime survives.
From BBC
“I know there is some complicated mathematical equation that figures that out, but no, I don’t think it’s a one-to-one ratio thing. We can ask after this is all over.”
From Literature
He said "affordability" for drivers was part of the equation.
From BBC
India now face a straightforward equation -- win their remaining two matches to keep qualification for the semi-finals largely in their own hands, or risk depending on other results.
From Barron's
Cost can only "come into the equation" when someone's needs can be fully met in different ways, according to Allen.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
