≕ Equals Colon: Meaning, Uses, and How to Type It
The ≕ (Equals Colon) symbol is a mathematical operator primarily used to denote "is defined as" or to represent a specific assignment in computer science and formal logic. Found in the Mathematical Operators Unicode block, it consists of a standard equals sign followed immediately by a colon. While less common than its reversed counterpart, the colon-equals symbol (≔), it serves a similar purpose in expressing definitions, relationships, or variable assignments in technical documentation.
Added to the Unicode Standard in version 1.1 back in 1993, the ≕ symbol occupies code point U+2255. It belongs to the Mathematical Operators block, a section of Unicode dedicated to making digital math, logic notation, and scientific formulas precise and universally readable across different devices and platforms.
In mathematics and programming, ≕ typically indicates that the item on the right is defined by the expression on the left. While everyday programming languages like Python or JavaScript rely on standard keyboard characters for assignments, formal logic and academic computer science papers use ≕ to show directional assignment. You will almost never spot ≕ in casual social media posts or daily text messages. Typographically, using the dedicated single Unicode character for ≕ ensures the equals sign and colon are perfectly aligned and spaced. This creates a much cleaner, more professional look than simply typing an equals sign followed by a colon on a standard keyboard.
Typing the ≕ symbol requires a few shortcuts depending on your setup. On Windows, you can type it in Microsoft Word by entering 2255 followed by Alt + X. Mac users can switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard and hold Option while typing 2255. Web developers and designers can drop it into a page using the HTML entities ≕ or ≕. If you only need to use it occasionally, copying and pasting from a character map or symbol encyclopedia is the easiest route.
The closest relative to ≕ is the Colon Equals symbol (≔, U+2254), which flips the arrangement to mean the left side is defined by the right. Other related characters include the standard Equals Sign (=, U+003D) for basic mathematical equality, and the Identical To symbol (≡, U+2261), which establishes an absolute mathematical equivalence rather than a directional definition.