An "enharmonic equivalent" refers to two musical notes that sound the same but are written differently. For example, the note C♯ is enharmonically equivalent to D♭. This means that when played on an instrument, they produce the same pitch, but their notation differs depending on the musical context. Enharmonic equivalents are important in music theory and composition, as they allow for flexibility in key signatures and scales. Understanding these equivalents helps musicians read and interpret music more effectively, especially when transitioning between different keys or styles.