elucidation

American  

[ih-loo-si-dey-shuhn] / ɪˌlu sɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonelucidation
  noun

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.

Example Sentences

Furthermore, this methodology is expected to accelerate the elucidation of the electrical ecology of microorganisms.

From Science Daily • Feb. 29, 2024

“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

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

The more complex the molecule, the happier Bragg became when a new method allowed its elucidation.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson