Main Entry:

solve

Pronunciation:

\ˈsälv, ˈsȯlv\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

solved; solv·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, to loosen, from Latin solvere to loosen, solve, dissolve, from sed-, se- apart + luere to release — more at secede, lose

Date:

circa 1533

transitive verb 1 : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for <solve a problem> <solved the crime> 2 : to pay (as a debt) in full intransitive verb : to solve something <substitute and solve for x>

— solv·er noun