On meromorphic functions that share three values of finite weights ✩

A uniqueness theorem for two distinct non-constant meromorphic functions that share three values of finite weights is proved, which generalizes two previous results by H.X. Yi, and X.M. Li and H.X. Yi. As applications of it, many known results by H.X. Yi and P. Li, etc. could be improved. Furthermore, with the concept of finite-weight sharing, extensions on Osgood–Yang’s conjecture and Mues’ conjecture, and a generalization of some prevenient results by M. Ozawa and H. Ueda, ect. could be obtained. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved