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

Today at Disrupt, the Edinburgh, Scotland-based company debuted its robotic solution.

From TechCrunch

Without a solution like the one Breen has built, these systems would be vulnerable to attack.

From TechCrunch

The core of the problem — and a seed of its eventual solution — can be seen in how physicists dealt with the charge of the electron.

From Quanta Magazine

Until we know what is driving much of the behavior we see, we cannot generate effective solutions for changing that behavior.

From FiveThirtyEight

Building those relationships will help all of us provide customers with better solutions.

From TechCrunch

The two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is dead.

From The Daily Beast

But his solution to this metastasizing threat is, in some ways, counterintuitive.

From The Daily Beast

But on Tuesday, we saw another nail hammered into the already pretty tightly nailed down coffin of the two-state solution.

From The Daily Beast

So here we are with Abbas being the only one of three parties to this conflict still fighting for a two-state solution.

From The Daily Beast

There are instances in which private rehoming works out fine and is the best solution for the struggling family and the children.

From The Daily Beast

The metal is then removed, and washed successively with very dilute sodium hydroxid solution, alcohol, and ether.

From Project Gutenberg

At once cover the mouth of the tube with a filter-paper cap moistened with saturated aqueous solution of silver nitrate (1:1).

From Project Gutenberg

This solution will show a characteristic blue fluorescence when quinin is present.

From Project Gutenberg

They are recognized by their concentric striations and their blue color with iodin solution.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no dog with her, and in the bustle that followed, I forgot to seek further for the solution of those two fiery lights.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• explanation
• quick fix
• result