equation

[ih-kwey-zhuhn, -shuhn]

noun

1. the act of equating or making equal; equalization.

   the symbolic equation of darkness with death.

2. equally balanced state; equilibrium.

3. Mathematics.,  an expression or a proposition, often algebraic, asserting the equality of two quantities.

4. Also called chemical equation. Chemistry.,  a symbolic representation showing the kind and amount of the starting materials and products of a reaction.

equation

/ ɪˈkweɪʒən, -ʃən /

noun

1. 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)

2. the act of regarding as equal; equating

3. the act of making equal or balanced; equalization

4. a situation, esp one regarded as having a number of conflicting elements

   what you want doesn't come into the equation

5. the state of being equal, equivalent, or equally balanced

6. a situation or problem in which a number of factors need to be considered

7. See chemical equation

8. astronomy See personal equation

equation

1. 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.

2. 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

• nonequation noun
• equational adjective
• equationally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of equation¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin aequātiōn- (stem of aequātiō ) an equalizing. See equate, -ion

Example Sentences

"There are very few HGV accessible public charging points. Add to that the pricing points of said infrastructure, it's a very hard equation to crack."

From BBC

But if looks were taken out of the equation entirely, would we still fall in love with the same people?

From BBC

I realize that money figures into the equation but at some point the fans must be considered too.

From Los Angeles Times

It "changes this equation", Mr Russell says, because they can "no longer live their lives relatively peacefully" as they wait for a decision on their claim.

From BBC

The real wild card in this equation, however, could be another name currently stuck on the injured list.

From Los Angeles Times