I. ə̇ˈkwivəkəl, ēˈ- adjective
Etymology: Late Latin aequivocus (from aequi- equi- + -vocus, from voc-, vox voice) + English -al — more at voice
1.
a. : having two or more significations : capable of more than one interpretation : of doubtful meaning : ambiguous
an equivocal word
an equivocal statement
— compare univocal
b. : uncertain as an indication or sign : inconclusive
the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal
2. obsolete : called by the same name but differing in nature or function : nominal
they being subject to the oversight of the ephori were but equivocal kings — James Ussher
3.
a. : of uncertain nature or classification : of a nature that does not admit of definite classification : indeterminate
the equivocal objects painted by surrealists
b.
(1) : of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing : undecided , inscrutable
the equivocal behavior of the officials increased the uneasiness of the riot victims
something equivocal about him contrasting with the other's straightforward manner
(2) : characterized by a mixture of opposite feelings : ambivalent
an equivocal attitude toward the proposal
c. : open to question regarding advantage, validity, genuineness, or moral rectitude : questionable , dubious
popularity is an equivocal crown — A.L.Guérard
his conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son — Anna Jameson
Synonyms: see obscure
II. noun
( -s )
: something equivocal ; especially : an equivocal word or term
regards the term being as an analogical equivocal