| equal | 1. Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc.; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value. 2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task. "The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English." (Clarendon) "It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit." (Dryden) "Whose voice an equal messenger Conveyed thy meaning mild." (Emerson) 3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. "An equal temper." 4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterised by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just. "Are not my ways equal?" (Ezek. Xviii. 29) "Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem." (Spenser) "Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise." (Milton) 5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent. "They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me." (Cheyne) 6. Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; opposed to mixed. 7. <mathematics> Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity. Equal temperament. See Temperament. Synonym: Even, equable, uniform, adequate, proportionate, commensurate, fair, just, equitable. Origin: L. Aequalis, fr. Aequus even, equal; akin to Skr. Ka, and perh. To L. Unus for older oinos one, E. One. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| equal cleavage | Cleavage producing blastomeres of like size. (05 Mar 2000) |
| equality | 1. The condition or quality of being equal; agreement in quantity or degree as compared; likeness in bulk, value, rank, properties, etc.; as, the equality of two bodies in length or thickness; an equality of rights. 2. Sameness in state or continued course; evenness; uniformity; as, an equality of temper or constitution. 3. Evenness; uniformity; as, an equality of surface. 4. <mathematics> Exact agreement between two expressions or magnitudes with respect to quantity; denoted by the symbol =; thus, a = x signifies that a contains the same number and kind of units of measure that x does. See: equal. Origin: L. Aequalitas, fr. Aequalis equal. (06 Mar 1998) |
| equalize | 1. To make equal; to cause to correspond, or be like, in amount or degree as compared; as, to equalize accounts, burdens, or taxes. "One poor moment can suffice To equalize the lofty and the low." (Wordsworth) "No system of instruction will completely equalize natural powers." (Whately) 2. To pronounce equal; to compare as equal. "Which we equalize, and perhaps would willingly prefer to the Iliad." (Orrery) 3. To be equal to; equal; to match. "It could not equalize the hundredth part Of what her eyes have kindled in my heart." (Waller) 4. <machinery> Equalizing bar, a lever connecting two axle boxes, or two springs in a car truck or locomotive, to equalize the pressure on the axles. Origin: F. Egaliser. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| conjoined equal twins | Conjoined twin's in which both members are approximately of the same size, and nearly normal except for the areas of fusion. Synonym: conjoined symmetrical twins. (05 Mar 2000) |
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