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

Elucidation and evolution of the active component within Cu/Fe/ZSM-5 for catalytic methane oxidation: from synthesis to catalysis.

From Nature • Nov. 28, 2017

In Elucidation No. 1—"The Viceroy"—Lord Lytton's personal nomination of Abengh-Mackay to a Fellowship in the Calcutta University has been referred to.

From Twenty-One Days in India; and, the Teapot Series by Aberigh-Mackay, George Robert

The Elucidation a possible record of historic facts.

From From Ritual to Romance by Weston, Jessie Laidlay

The curious student will find striking examples of what I mean in Herbart's Analytical Elucidation of Morality and Natural Right, and in his Letters on Freedom.

From Essays of Schopenhauer by Schopenhauer, Arthur

Elucidation of the mystery will always be practicable.

From Wieland: or, the Transformation, an American Tale by Brown, Charles Brockden