dissolve

verb

dis·solve | \ di-ˈzälv

, -ˈzȯlv

also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

dissolved; dissolving; dissolves

Definition of dissolve

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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 dissolved the company into smaller units

c : to bring to an end : terminate the king's power to dissolve parliament their partnership was dissolved

d law : annul dissolve an injunction the marriage was dissolved

2a chemistry : to cause to pass into solution (see solution sense 2b) dissolve sugar in water dissolve a chlorine tablet

b : melt, liquefy The heat will dissolve the chocolate.

c : to cause to be emotionally moved (see move entry 1 sense transitive 5a) She was dissolved in tears.

d : to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve (see dissolve entry 2)

3 archaic : detach, loosen

4 : to clear up : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for dissolve a problem

intransitive verb

1a : to become dissipated (see dissipate sense 1) or decomposed the mist … dissolved as it touched the valleys— Han Suyin

b : break up, disperse The temporary committee will be made to dissolve.

c : to fade away His strength had dissolved.

2a : to become fluid : melt glaciers dissolving into the sea

b chemistry : to pass into solution Salt dissolves in water.

c : to be overcome emotionally He 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.

dissolve

noun

Definition of dissolve (Entry 2 of 2)

: a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen

Other Words from dissolve Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dissolve

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Other Words from dissolve

Verb

dissolvable \ di-ˈzäl-və-bəl

, -ˈzȯl- \ adjective

dissolvent \ di-ˈzäl-vənt

, -ˈzȯl- \ noun or adjective

dissolver noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for dissolve

Synonyms: Verb

dematerialize, disappear, evanesce, evaporate, fade, flee, fly, melt, sink, vanish

Antonyms: Verb

appear, materialize

Examples of dissolve in a Sentence

Verb

Dissolve the tablet in water. Hopes for peace dissolved in renewed violence. His kind words dissolved her sadness. The treatment is used to dissolve kidney stones.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Make filling: Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. — Tara Bench, Country Living, "Boarded-Up Window Caramel Nut Tart," 6 Sep. 2019 Stir 1/2 cup sugar and the 1/4 cup of spiced water in a heavy small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. — ExpressNews.com, "Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Flan," 4 Sep. 2019 Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil. — Mary Bergin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A little-known heirloom pepper has its own festival in Beaver Dam, where it arrived in America long ago," 3 Sep. 2019 Remove from the heat, and stir in the brown sugar and dried hibiscus flowers until the sugar dissolves. — Maria Zizka, Los Angeles Times, "Five or Fewer: Chill out with these summertime sweets," 30 Aug. 2019 In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and water and simmer (without stirring) until sugar dissolves and raspberries break down, about 12 minutes. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Raspberry-Lime Syrup," 20 Aug. 2019 Filling 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (smooth recommended but crunchy is also fine) For the French toast: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until sugar dissolves; mix in cream, vanilla and rum. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Decadent French toast recipes from Breakfast Republic’s chef," 13 Aug. 2019 In a small pot, simmer heavy cream, milk, sugar and salt until sugar completely dissolves, about 5 minutes. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "These Sweet Recipes Are Perfect For Celebrating National Frozen Custard Day," 8 Aug. 2019 Cook over medium-low heat until the salt and sugar has dissolved. — Rebecca White, Dallas News, "The tea sandwich has returned, and it's modern and creative," 16 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Heat on medium until sugar dissolves, stirring. Arrange cucumber spears and dill in 1 (32-oz.) jar; pour warm brine over cucumbers to cover. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Classic Dill Pickles," 29 Aug. 2019 Microwave until mixture is bubbling around edges and gelatin dissolves, 15 to 30 seconds. — Washington Post, "This chocolate éclair cake is an instant dessert classic," 1 July 2019 This episode had some great visual moments, like the dissolve of Discovery warping into Stamets' mind gadget. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "'Star Trek: Discovery' Season Two Wants You to Forget About Season One," 18 Jan. 2019 Daiquiri #1 Make rich simple syrup: In a pot over medium heat, stir together 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water until sugar dissolves. Do not boil. — Kara Newman, WSJ, "Shake Up the Daiquiri for Fall," 27 Sep. 2018 Instead, opt for a chemical exfoliator, like my favorite Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid, which uses gentle acids to dissolves dead skin cells, oils, and gunk from your pores. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "Broken Capillaries: How to Get Rid of Them Fast," 18 Apr. 2017 The first half of the novella is largely composed of prose of the Romantic type—heirloom turns of phrase that at length dissolve into something else. — Dan Hofstadter, WSJ, "Longing, Violence and Social Rank," 25 May 2018 Watch his practice two days before the big game dissolve into a snowball fight, freshmen-sophomores vs. juniors-seniors. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Alliance of American football coach Rick Neuheisel's deep connections to Tempe, Arizona," 18 May 2018 At one point, the three dissolve into laughter when the complex intricacy gets the better of them. — Karen Campbell, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet’s John Lam is set to soar in dances from Balanchine to Bournonville," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dissolve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.