elucidation

[ ih-loo-si-dey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of explaining or making something clear:

   Ideas may occur in abstract forms, but their elucidation happens only through language.

2. an explanation or clarification:

   Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for his elucidation of the photoelectric effect.

Other Words From

• non·e·lu·ci·da·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elucidation¹

First recorded in 1520–30; elucid(ate) ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

The first elucidation of physiologic basis for the connection began in the next decade.

From The Daily Beast

Such side-stepping will frustrate newcomers in search of elucidation, or at the very least a fuller picture.

From The Daily Beast

From the moment of his arrival, Ida studied him intently, and each hour brought difficulties, instead of elucidation.

From Project Gutenberg

The times are changed, now most readers require parenthetical elucidation after each name except that of Chopin.

From Project Gutenberg

I am totally unable to give a definition of the word avver, and should feel much gratified by any correspondent's elucidation.

From Project Gutenberg

The company here unanimously joined in thanking Sir Henry for the elucidation of the mysteries which had perplexed them.

From Project Gutenberg

His ample bibliography leaves no point necessary for elucidation untouched.

From Project Gutenberg