equation

noun

equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən 

 also  -shən

1

a

: the act or process of equating

b(1)

: an element affecting a process : factor

(2)

: a complex of variable factors

c

: a state of being equated

specifically : a state of close association or identification

bring governmental enterprises and payment for them into immediate equation

—R. G. Tugwell

2

a

: a usually formal statement of the equality or equivalence of mathematical or logical expressions

b

: an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols

Examples of equation in a Sentence

the equation of material wealth with happiness

Recent Examples on the Web

Second, on the worker side of the equation, the gig-economy gives people another way to earn a bit of money to fund their habits. —Steven Dudash, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

In that equation, sticker price is only a starting point. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

On the bond side of the equation, investors worry the recent volatility in the bond market — in which the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yield , for example, this week briefly topped 4.3% — reflects concern over the government’s precarious fiscal situation. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

Of course, a World Series title could change that equation. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing equation

• characteristic equation
• cubic equation
• differential equation
• Diophantine equation
• enter (into) the equation
• equation of time
• linear equation
• parametric equation
• partial differential equation
• personal equation
• quadratic equation
• Schrödinger equation
• simple equation
• wave equation

Kids Definition

equation

noun

equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən 

 also  -shən

1

: the act or process of equating : the state of being equated

2

a

: a statement of the equality of two mathematical expressions

b

: an expression involving chemical symbols for a chemical reaction

Medical Definition

equation

noun

equa·​tion

i-ˈkwā-zhən also -shən

: an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols