We show that an elementary class of algebras is closed under the taking of homomorphic images and direct products if and only if the class consists of all algebras that satisfy a set of (generally simultaneous) equations. For classes of regular semigroups this allows an interpretation of a universal algebraic nature that is formulated entirely in terms of the associative binary operation of the semigroup, which serves as an alternative to the approach via so called e-varieties. In particular we prove that classes of Inverse semigroups, Orthodox semigroups, and E-solid semigroups are equational in our sense. We also examine which equations are valid in every semigroup.
