solution

American  

[suh-loo-shuhn] / səˈlu ʃən /

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. 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

• nonsolution noun
• presolution noun
• solutional adjective

Etymology

Origin of solution

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

Example Sentences

I think that was a wake-up call for people in the national security space that there were opportunities for improvement in America’s ability in manufacturing its own solutions.

From The Wall Street Journal

People join cults seeking solutions to what’s going wrong in their lives; if you’ve tried everything else, why not follow someone’s lead?

From Salon

Some local lawmakers are experimenting with another solution: city-run grocery stores.

From MarketWatch

“It’s kind of like the hard disk drive story,” Fox said, explaining that EMS companies can stack different solutions and expand margins while saving end users money.

From Barron's

In recent years some residents’ household wells have gone dry, forcing them to scramble for solutions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• explanation
• quick fix
• result