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) ( see solute) + -iō -ion

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

Our bodies are searching for a chemical, emotional solution to the overwhelming sense of anxiety and dread that faces many adults of all ages in today’s world.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The solution emerged in the late 1880s through the bitter "War of the Currents," when George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla championed alternating current.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

While young Americans need a solution to the college affordability problem, the job outlook is uneven for both college grads and trade-school grads.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Not everyone in Hanover was convinced that AI was the solution to the woes of Germany manufacturers, who have long been struggling with issues from high energy costs to weak demand.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

I had treated going to war like it was a solution to my own personal questions about my future.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• explanation
• quick fix
• result