equivalent weight

Noun

equivalent weight (plural equivalent weights)

1. The atomic weight of an element or radical divided by its valence; the molecular weight of a compound divided by its combining power in a specific reaction.
   • In the proportion d : p :: 1 : v, as applied to any liquid or solid species, p does not represent its real equivalent weight, but the weight of the normal species which, by its condensation, gives rise to the liquid or solid.1888, Thomas Sterry Hunt, A New Basis for Chemistry, page 149
   • The equivalent weight of an element or compound is that weight equivalent in reactive power to one atomic weight of hydrogen.1922, Leicester F. Hamilton, Calculations of Analytical Chemistry, page 38

   Synonyms:

   equivalent mass, gram equivalent