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

Mexico and the United States can learn a great deal… Pirates, Then and Now To defeat piracy in centuries past, governments pursued a more active defense at sea and a political solution on land. —William F. Wechsler, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

While the resort is family-friendly, rooms are divided among adults-only and family sections, so for travelers who don't want the sounds of children as part of their daily rituals, there's a solution to that. —Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2024

The search for solutions There’s one thing that most people — from Social Security staff to scholars, from lawyers to lawmakers — agree would solve many of SSI’s problems: raising the $2,000 asset limit. —Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 8 June 2024

The agency is investigating whether mortgage fees have climbed too high, along with possible solutions such as new regulation to lower them, the elimination of certain fees altogether or having someone other than the homebuyer pay the fees, the official told CBS MoneyWatch. —Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 8 June 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