solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
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

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 To break through these challenges, the industry must pivot from short-term solutions to long-term investments that create sustainable growth of both supply and demand. Christer Holloman, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The Tully Road-Eastridge area’s challenges with crime have also led business leaders to search for their own solutions. Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 Arab states also largely gave up on promoting a solution. Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024 Another producer, Bob DeLaurentis, said writers were out of ideas for the love story between Marissa and Ryan, so removing one of them seemed like the right solution. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for solution 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of solution was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near solution

Cite this Entry

“Solution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solution. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

solution

noun
so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
1
a
: an act or process of solving
b
: an answer to a problem : explanation
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 How to pronounce solution (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on solution

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