elucidation
Americannoun
-
the act of explaining or making something clear.
Ideas may occur in abstract forms, but their elucidation happens only through language.
-
an explanation or clarification.
Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for his elucidation of the photoelectric effect.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of elucidation
First recorded in 1520–30; elucid(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )
Explanation
An elucidation is really just a fancy name for an "explanation." Sherlock Holmes revealing his deductions to Dr. Watson is a classic example of elucidation. Because of its suggestion of complexity, elucidation is a word often used in a scientific or educational context: scientists will elucidate their latest theories to the public or a college professor will elucidate some complicated theorem to their students. You need to be wide awake for an elucidation. There's often a test to follow.
Vocabulary lists containing elucidation
Poe's Favorite Words, collected by Charles Harrington Elster
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The Double Helix
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Murder on the Orient Express
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“In addition to providing much-needed elucidation, the investigation and examiner’s report ensure that the bankruptcy court will have the opportunity to consider the greater public interest when approving the FTX Group’s reorganization plan,” he added.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 22, 2024
This makes them a valuable tool for the future elucidation of the molecular organisation and interaction of biomolecules in cells.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 1, 2023
Experiencing the art itself was the only way to discover its complex perceptual elucidation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2023
In 1982, the Nobel committee awarded the chemistry prize to Dr. Klug “for his development of crystallographic electron microscopy and his structural elucidation of biologically important nucleic acid-protein complexes.”
From Washington Post ● Nov. 24, 2018
Some days he saw mystery everywhere, in earthworms and holly trees and basset hounds, and the inexplicability of even the simplest life so angered and stupefied him that he almost resented any balancing elucidation.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
