equation

noun

equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən How to pronounce equation (audio)
 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 There is no accountant on the other end of these equations. Lori Vogt Rosone, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Addressing disease is just one part of the equation. Bydiane Brady, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 Some of them, true to form, have tried to reduce their own weirdness to an equation. Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Lost in the congressional drama is the other side of the discard equation: the transplant centers and surgeons that are turning kidneys down. Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 2 Mar. 2024 But the second part of the equation is liquidity, which helps to explain the difference in the stock market’s strong performance compared with its relatively muted earnings growth, according to Wilson. Will Daniel, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 To stave off intimidation, Gauff tried to think of her opponent as faceless and anonymous; to take Venus out of the equation. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 But empowerment is but a part of the equation, Towler said. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 Despite this optimistic proposal, De Laurentiis ultimately decided to take the author out of the equation. Max Evry, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of equation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near equation

Cite this Entry

“Equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

equation

noun
equa·​tion i-ˈkwā-zhən How to pronounce equation (audio)
 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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