equivalence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced
    equation; equality; par.
    • on a par with the best
  2. noun essential equality and interchangeability
  3. noun qualities that are comparable
    comparison; compare; comparability.
    • no comparison between the two books
    • beyond compare

WordNet

E*quiv"a*lence noun
Etymology
Cf. F. équivalence, LL. aequivalentia.
Definitions
  1. The condition of being equivalent or equal; equality of worth, value, signification, or force; as, an equivalence of definitions.
  2. Equal power or force; equivalent amount.
  3. (Chem.) (a) The quantity of the combining power of an atom, expressed in hydrogen units; the number of hydrogen atoms can combine with, or be exchanged for; valency. See Valence. (b) The degree of combining power as determined by relative weight. See Equivalent, n., 2. R.
E*quiv"a*lence transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be equivalent or equal to; to counterbalance. R. Sir T. Browne.

Webster 1913