Equivocal
Equivocal , adjective
[Latin aequivocus: aequus equal + vox, vocis, word. See Equal, and Voice, and compare Equivoque.]
1.
(Literally, called equally one thing or the other; hence:) Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence.
For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
2.
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected; as, his actions are equivocal.
Equivocal repentances.
3.
Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful.
How equivocal a test.
Collocations (1)
Equivocal chord (Music) , a chord which can be resolved into several distinct keys; one whose intervals, being all minor thirds, do not clearly indicate its fundamental tone or root; the chord of the diminished triad, and the diminished seventh.
Equivocal , noun
A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.
In languages of great ductility, equivocals like that just referred to are rarely found.