Definition of "equation" []

• The act or process of equating or of being equated. (noun)
• The state of being equal. (noun)
• Mathematics A statement asserting the equality of two expressions, usually written as a linear array of symbols that are separated into left and right sides and joined by an equal sign. (noun)
• Chemistry A representation of a chemical reaction, usually written as a linear array in which the symbols and quantities of the reactants are separated from those of the products by an equal sign, an arrow, or a set of opposing arrows. (noun)
• A complex of variable elements or factors: "The world was full of equations . . . there must be an answer for everything, if only you knew how to set forth the questions” ( Anne Tyler). (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But their most brilliant material was deeply mistrustful of words and numbers, like the great "7 x 13 = 28," in which Costello proves the title equation to Abbott in a variety of ways (mostly by ignoring base ten)."
• "I addressed the other half of what you call the equation, that is, the ability to respond. although obviously not to your satisfaction."
• "Each politician and each issue must be looked at on the particular facts and circumstances, and getting private funds out of the equation is the only way that I can see to remove or temper the tendency or inclination to accommodate private donors."