Definition: equate

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

equate
     v 1: consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; "We
          can compare the Han dynasty to the Romans"; "You cannot
          equate success in financial matters with greed" [syn: compare,
           liken]
     2: be equivalent or parallel, in mathematics [syn: correspond]
     3: make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching; "let's
        equalize the duties among all employees in this office";
        "The company matched the discount policy of its
        competitors" [syn: equal, match, equalize, equalise]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Equate \E*quate"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Equated; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Equating.] [L. aequatus, p. p. of aequare to make level
   or equal, fr. aequus level, equal. See Equal.]
   To make equal; to reduce to an average; to make such an
   allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common
   standard of comparison; to reduce to mean time or motion; as,
   to equate payments; to equate lines of railroad for grades or
   curves; equated distances.

         Palgrave gives both scrolle and scrowe and equates both
         to F[rench] rolle.                       --Skeat
                                                  (Etymol. Dict.
                                                  ).

   Equating for grades (Railroad Engin.), adding to the
      measured distance one mile for each twenty feet of ascent.
      

   Equating for curves, adding half a mile for each 360
      degrees of curvature.