equivalent weight

noun

the atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of another element; the standard is 8 for oxygen

• Syn: ↑equivalent, ↑combining weight, ↑eq

• Hypernyms: ↑atomic mass, ↑atomic weight, ↑relative atomic mass

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noun

1. : equivalent II 2

2. : atomic weight — used when atomic weights were more or less conjectural

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Chem.

the combining power, esp. in grams (gram equivalent), of an element or compound, equivalent to hydrogen as a standard of 1.00797 or oxygen as a standard of 8; the atomic weight divided by the valence.

[1925-30]

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equivalent weight noun (chem)

That weight which displaces or combines with or otherwise represents a standard unit, atomic weight, or atomic weight divided by valence

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Main Entry: ↑equivalent

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equivalent weight,

Chemistry. the weight of a substance which will combine with or can replace one-half gram atom of oxygen or one gram atom of hydrogen; the atomic weight divided by the valence; combining weight: »

An equivalent weight of one element will react with exactly one equivalent weight of any other element with which it is capable of combining, or it will liberate one equivalent weight of any element which it is active enough to displace (W. N. Jones).