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

Many, including students, have opposed the bill, saying that the solution to school shootings isn't to introduce more guns to schools. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024

Issuer Direct offers many comprehensive solutions to ensure its customers most important moments are reaching the right audiences. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024

The solution now likely lies with the courts — though that too comes with its own risks. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

For the study, researchers applied either a 38% SDF solution or therapeutic dental sealants to over 4,000 low-income minority children in a New York school setting. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2024

His speeches and campaign website promise collegiality and general solutions to vexing problems. —David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 23 Apr. 2024

Biden remains committed to two-state solution amid Israel-Hamas war, national security spokesman says Pelosi isn't the only prominent Democrat calling for new leadership in Israel. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2024

While neither Azerbaijan nor Brazil has traditionally been a major actor on the world climate stage, each has the opportunity to spur solutions in assuming the presidency of the UN climate summit in 2024 and 2025. —Kelly Sims Gallagher, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

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

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

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