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

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

See Examples For:

solution solutions

On the evidence of United's opening two pre-season games, Carrick might have another solution closer to home.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

Whole heads of lettuce are typically washed in a chlorine solution and packed in the field.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

But the sad truth is that we’ve had the solution to measles for decades.

From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2026

"European-built CCAs will still require integration with these American systems and therefore do not offer a fully European solution," he told AFP.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

When a Spanish priest saw how cruelly the natives were treated and how rapidly they were dying, he recommended a solution.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

The support for these solutions proves that isn’t a Republican or a Democratic idea—it’s common sense.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Although a possession-based coach, Alonso has shown the flexibility and intelligence to look for solutions against man-to-man pressure.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

"During testing, any form of human intervention was strictly prohibited," and the AI solutions were submitted to IMO organisers for grading, Xiaohongshu said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

"As our partnership evolves, we are increasingly focused on knowledge, innovation and shared solutions," said Anna Bjerde, World Bank managing director of operations.

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

He’s the person who finds compromises and solutions.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• explanation
• quick fix
• result