Main Entry: ¹dis·solve

Pronunciation: \di-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin dissolvere, from dis- + solvere to loosen — more at solve

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to cause to disperse or disappear : destroy <do not dissolve and deface the laws of charity — Francis Bacon> b : to separate into component parts : disintegrate c : to bring to an end : terminate <dissolve parliament> d : annul <dissolve an injunction>
2 a : to cause to pass into solution <dissolve sugar in water> b : melt, liquefy c : to cause to be emotionally moved d : to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve
3 archaic : detach, loosen
4 : to clear up <dissolve a problem>intransitive verb 1 a : to become dissipated or decomposed b : break up, disperse c : to fade away
2 a : to become fluid : melt b : to pass into solution c : to be overcome emotionally <dissolved into tears> d : to resolve itself as if by dissolution <hate dissolved into fear> e : to change by a dissolve <the scene dissolves to a Victorian parlor>

— dis·solv·able \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl-\ adjective

— dis·sol·vent \-ˈzäl-vənt, -ˈzȯl-\ noun or adjective

— dis·solv·er noun