solve

[solv]

verb (used with object), solved, solv·ing.

to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain: to solve the mystery of the missing books.

to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).

Origin of solve

1400–50; late Middle English solven < Latin solvere to loosen, free, release, dissolve

Related formssolv·er, nounpre·solve, verb (used with object), pre·solved, pre·solv·ing.un·solved, adjectivewell-solved, adjective

Synonyms for solve

1. resolve, unravel, untangle, crack.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for solver

Historical Examples of solver

A Minnesota solver secured the second prize, which in this case is made $3.
Harper's Round Table, April 30, 1895
Various
One solver answered correctly all save four of the questions.
Harper's Round Table, May 28, 1895
Various
A score of blanched faces were turned to him as though he must be solver of the enigma.
The Were-Wolf
Clemence Housman
One solver, who lives in Pennsylvania, found all the answers save one, and got the first prize of $10 as his reward.
Harper's Round Table, April 30, 1895
Various
The U has been taken from the second 'surely' instead of the first, to mislead the solver.
The Mystery of the Downs
John R. Watson

British Dictionary definitions for solver

solve

verb (tr)

to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)

maths

to work out the answer to (a problem)
to obtain the roots of (an equation)

Derived Formssolver, noun

Word Origin for solve

C15: from Latin solvere to loosen, release, free from debt

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for solver

solve

late 14c., "to disperse, dissipate, loosen," from Latin solvere "to loosen, dissolve; untie, release, detach; depart; unlock; scatter; dismiss; accomplish, fulfill; explain; remove," from PIE *se-lu-, from reflexive pronoun *s(w)e- (see idiom) + root *leu- "to loosen, divide, cut apart" (see lose). The meaning "explain, answer" is attested from 1530s; for sense evolution, see solution. Mathematical use is attested from 1737. Related: Solved; solving.