solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an action or process of solving a problem

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

especially : a single-phase liquid system

c

: the condition of being dissolved

3

: a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity

Synonyms

• answer
• result

Examples of solution in a Sentence

Medication may not be the best solution for the patient's condition.

The solution is simple you need to spend less money.

She made a solution of baking soda and water.

a 40 percent saline solution

He rinsed the contact lens with saline solution.

the solution of sucrose in water

Recent Examples on the Web

Looming over it all is the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and other modern recording technology, which some view as a threat to thousands of good jobs and others see as a promising solution. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024

The tactic: Win-win strategy This helps different parties find one solution that's in everyone's interest. —Marielle Segarra, NPR, 11 Apr. 2024

Following some recent financial snafus, today’s alignment between the sun and Mercury offers a solution! —USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

In 1986, Mayor Charlie Luken asked P&G Chairman John G. Smale to head the Cincinnati Infrastructure Commission, which became known as the Smale Commission, to find a solution to the city’s crumbling infrastructure due to decades of deferred maintenance. —Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2024

Mayor Mattie Parker voiced support of Proposition 2 when it was approved by voters and has been an advocate for early education solutions and partnerships. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2024

Any solution will have to involve both federal governments, Mexican migration official Pérez Tejada said. —David Culver, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

The solution is actually quite simple: U.S. banks should stop funding the expansion of Big Meat and Dairy to give the world a significant boost toward meeting the emissions targets that will help our children and grandchildren weather the escalating climate crisis. —Monique Mikhail, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024

It’s led families to look for alternate solutions, including lawsuits seeking to hold gun manufacturers and sellers responsible for the deaths their weapons cause. —Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English solucion explanation, dispersal of bodily humors, from Anglo-French, from Latin solution-, solutio, from solvere to loosen, solve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing solution

• Benedict's solution
• final solution
• Ringer's solution
• solution set
• Fehling's solution

Kids Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of solving

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

c

: solution set

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is dissolved in a liquid

b

: a liquid in which something has been dissolved

c

: the condition of being dissolved

Medical Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

called also dissolution

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

2

a

: a liquid containing a dissolved substance

an aqueous solution

b

: a liquid and usually aqueous medicinal preparation with the solid ingredients soluble

c

: the condition of being dissolved

a substance in solution