solution

[ suh-loo-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of solving a problem, question, etc.:

   The situation is approaching solution.

2. the state of being solved:

   a problem capable of solution.

3. a particular instance or method of solving; an explanation or answer:

   The solution is as good as any other.

   Synonyms: resolution, key

4. Mathematics.
   1. the process of determining the answer to a problem.
   2. the answer itself.
5. Chemistry.
   1. the process by which a gas, liquid, or solid is dispersed homogeneously in a gas, liquid, or solid without chemical change.
   2. such a substance, as dissolved sugar or salt in solution.
   3. a homogeneous, molecular mixture of two or more substances.
6. Pharmacology. Also called liquor. a liquid, usually water, in which a medication is dissolved.
7. Medicine/Medical.
   1. the termination of a disease.
   2. a breach or break in anything, especially one in parts of the body normally continuous, as from fracture or laceration:

      solution of continuity.

solution

/ səˈluːʃən /

noun

1. a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances in which the molecules or atoms of the substances are completely dispersed. The constituents can be solids, liquids, or gases
2. the act or process of forming a solution
3. the state of being dissolved (esp in the phrase in solution )
4. a mixture of two or more substances in which one or more components are present as small particles with colloidal dimension; colloid

   a colloidal solution

5. a specific answer to or way of answering a problem
6. the act or process of solving a problem
7. maths
   1. the unique set of values that yield a true statement when substituted for the variables in an equation
   2. a member of a set of assignments of values to variables under which a given statement is satisfied; a member of a solution set
8. the stage of a disease, following a crisis, resulting in its termination
9. law the payment, discharge, or satisfaction of a claim, debt, etc

solution

/ sə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. Chemistry.
   A mixture in which particles of one or more substances (the solute) are distributed uniformly throughout another substance (the solvent), so that the mixture is homogeneous at the molecular or ionic level. The particles in a solution are smaller than those in either a colloid or a suspension.
2. Chemistry.
   Compare colloid
3. Mathematics.
   A value or values which, when substituted for a variable in an equation, make the equation true. For example, the solutions to the equation x ² = 4 are 2 and −2.

solution

1. In chemistry , a uniform mixture of one solid , liquid , or gas with another solid, liquid, or gas.

Other Words From

• so·lution·al adjective
• nonso·lution noun
• preso·lution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solution¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin solūtiōn-, stem of solūtiō, equivalent to solūt(us) ( solute ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of solution¹

C14: from Latin solūtiō an unloosing, from solūtus; see solute

Example Sentences

“Climate change is a global issue and will need both local and global management and solutions to ensure we protect our natural ecosystems and resources,” Alliji said.

From Salon

SMRs themselves are being promoted, in part, as a solution to one of the biggest drawbacks facing nuclear power today.

From BBC

Judge Mehta asked the Justice Department and the states that brought the antitrust case to submit solutions by the end of Wednesday to correct the search monopoly.

From New York Times

She said, "Things like this could make people who look up to me feel that it’s a viable solution."

From Salon

The search for solutions, or relief from discomfort and pain, will be familiar to so many people.

From BBC

Related Words

• explanation
• quick fix
• result