[equiv.a.lent] adj [ME, fr. MF or LL; MF, fr. LL aequivalent-, aequivalens, prp. of aequivalere to have equal power, fr. L aequi- + valere to be strong--more at wield] (15c) 1: equal in force, amount, or value; also: equal in area or volume but not admitting of superposition "a square ~ to a triangle"
2. a: like in signification or import b: having logical equivalence "~ statements"
3: corresponding or virtually identical esp. in effect or function
4. obs: equal in might or authority
5: having the same chemical combining capacity "~ quantities of two elements"
6. a: having the same solution set "~ equations" b: capable of being placed in one-to-one correspondence "~ sets" c: related by an equivalence relation syn see same -- equivalent n -- equiv.a.lent.ly adv