n. 1. a. A method or process of dealing with a problem: sought a solution to falling enrollments. b. The answer to a problem or the explanation for something: the solution to the mystery. 2. a. A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these. b. The process of forming such a mixture. c. The state of being dissolved: nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean. 3. Archaic The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin solūtiō, solūtiōn-, from solūtus, past participle of solvere, to loosen; see SOLUTE.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.