solution

American  

[suh-loo-shuhn] / səˈlu ʃən /

noun

• solutions
  plural

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. Also called liquor. Pharmacology. 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.

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solution British  

/ 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

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solution Scientific  

/ 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 suspension

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.

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solution Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonsolution
  noun
• presolution
  noun
• solutional
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• solutions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of solution

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

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Explanation

A solution is all about solving or dissolving. If you find an answer to a question, both the answer and how you got there is the solution. If you dissolve a solid into a liquid, you've created a different kind of solution. This noun descends from Middle English solucion, from Old French, from Latin solutio, from solvere "to loosen." Think of solution both as a loosening of the chemical bonds that make something solid––when you loosen the structure of salt by mixing it into water, you create a solution. When you loosen the "knot" of a math problem you do the same thing––you loosen, untangle or solve it.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

solution solutions

“These are definitely not a single-portfolio-holding solution for anyone,” says Michael Cohick, director of product management at VanEck Funds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

In correspondence with local politicians the council said control zones are intended to respond to significant disorder, and not be a "catch-all solution" if people have trouble with fireworks.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

One promising solution is to use approximation algorithms, which calculate estimates rather than exact answers.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026

For some, it’s a solution to ensure reliable water for millions of Californians while protecting fish and the environment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

The camera was facing a petri dish where a gloved hand holding a pipette was adding something to the solution.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

They added that the king will "primarily focus on encouraging practical solutions and united efforts to address global challenges and opportunities".

From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026

For retail investors, this should advance the conversation around safer custody solutions for everyone, Ahuja says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

“What we have seen success in is going directly to young people, talking about the real issues and talking about real, solid solutions that we can move forward.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2026

Mourinho doesn't seek to control every decision his players make but instead looks to prepare them to find solutions for themselves; with better players, these solutions should, in theory, be better.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

Father washed the spots with herbal solutions, but they made no difference.

From "Tasting the Sky" by Ibtisam Barakat

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Related Words

• explanation
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