In`e*qual"i*ty (?), n.; pl.
Inequalities (#). [L. inaequalitas.]
1. The quality of being unequal; difference,
or want of equality, in any respect; lack of uniformity;
disproportion; unevenness; disparity; diversity; as, an
inequality in size, stature, numbers, power, distances,
motions, rank, property, etc.
There is so great an inequality in the length
of our legs and arms as makes it impossible for us to walk on all
four.
Ray.
Notwithstanding which inequality of number, it
was resolved in a council of war to fight the Dutch
fleet.
Ludlow.
Sympathy is rarely strong where there is a great
inequality of condition.
Macaulay.
2. Unevenness; want of levelness; the
alternate rising and falling of a surface; as, the
inequalities of the surface of the earth, or of a marble slab,
etc.
The country is cut into so many hills and
inequalities as renders it defensible.
Addison.
3. Variableness; changeableness; inconstancy;
lack of smoothness or equability; deviation; unsteadiness, as of the
weather, feelings, etc.
Inequality of air is ever an enemy to
health.
Bacon.
4. Disproportion to any office or purpose;
inadequacy; competency; as, the inequality of terrestrial
things to the wants of a rational soul. South.
5. (Alg.) An expression consisting of
two unequal quantities, with the sign of inequality (> or <)
between them; as, the inequality 2 < 3, or 4 >
1.
6. (Astron.) An irregularity, or a
deviation, in the motion of a planet or satellite from its uniform
mean motion; the amount of such deviation.
