noun equal power or force; equivalent amount.
2. equivalence ·vt to be equivalent or equal to; to counterbalance.
3. equivalence ·noun the degree of combining power as determined by relative weight. ·see equivalent, ·noun, 2.
4. equivalence ·noun the condition of being equivalent or equal; equality of worth, value, signification, or force; as, an equivalence of definitions.
5. equivalence ·noun the quantity of the combining power of an atom, expressed in hydrogen units; the number of hydrogen atoms can combine with, or be exchanged for; valency. ·see valence.