equation
UK[ɪˈkweɪʒn]US[ɪˈkweɪʒn]
n
A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal, shown by the sign =.
n
The process of considering one thing to be the same as another; the state of being equal.
Morpheme Breakdown
equ
ation
equ
equal
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'equation' traces its lineage to the Latin verb 'aequare', meaning 'to make equal or level'. This verb itself is derived from the Latin adjective 'aequus', signifying 'equal, level, just'. The core morpheme 'equ' has been remarkably stable, passing through Old French 'equacion' before entering Middle English, retaining its fundamental sense of equality. The suffix '-ation' was appended to form a noun describing the act or result of making equal, a concept which was then precisely adopted by mathematics to denote a formal statement of equality between two expressions.
Analysis
Structure: equ (equal) + ation (noun suffix)
equ (Latin, meaning 'equal', 'level', or 'even'); ation (Latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or result).
Examples
The equation E = mc² is one of the most famous in physics.
Solving this quadratic equation requires the use of a specific formula.
There is a simple equation between hard work and success in many fields.