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

In the long term, the consequences of the non-renewal of the pipeline agreement could shift the entire geopolitical energy equation. —Daniel Markind, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

A lot of research went into decrypting the character’s equation on the black board. —Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 5 Dec. 2024

All are laden with easy and convenient features like flipping and folding seats but if driving dynamics are part of the equation the Honda dealership should be the first stop, not just for families, but anyone that needs massive amounts of utility in a smartly sized vehicle. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Such systems use mathematical equations that describe how the atmosphere functions, with calculations for everything from how moisture is transported to how the jet stream's winds can fuel and steer storm systems. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 4 Dec. 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