solution

noun so·lu·tion \ sə-ˈlü-shən \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of solution

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

See solution defined for English-language learners

See solution defined for kids

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 of solution from the Web

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth in Great Britain may have come up with a solution.

— CBS News, "Could a tiny enzyme eradicate plastic garbage plaguing the world’s oceans?," 18 Apr. 2018
The competition enables teams to conduct community planning exercises; analyze economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable growth; and develop creative community solutions.

— The Aegis, "HCC student team wins Maryland Sustainable Growth Challenge," 18 Apr. 2018
Monroe Community College in Rochester seeks to provide a path to longer-term solutions.

— mary esch, The Christian Science Monitor, "On-campus food pantries help struggling students succeed in school," 18 Apr. 2018
The beach cleanup and fair will harness the power of art to shed light on environmental solutions and inspire change.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Earth Day events in South Florida," 18 Apr. 2018
The centralized solution will better help capture marketing and analytics data, according to Myers.

— megan becka, cleveland.com, "Akron eBay Retail Revival a boon for New Territory virtual and augmented reality studio," 18 Apr. 2018
The worlds of medicine, education, and elderly care all have different challenges—which advanced communication solutions can help solve.

— BostonGlobe.com, "NCAA women's tournament," 17 Apr. 2018
Elias is a language learning solution comprising a humanoid robot and mobile application, currently being trialed in a year-long pilot program at alongside a maths-teaching robot at a primary school in Finland's third-largest city.

— jan burns, Houston Chronicle, "College students can learn from temporary roles," 15 Apr. 2018
Hitting Assad now might bring a momentary sense of just deserts, but there is nothing to be proud of in Syria, and no American solution—not even for the gassing of children.

— junot díaz, The New Yorker, "Trump’s Erratic Threats to Bashar al-Assad," 15 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of solution

Middle English solucion explanation, dispersal of bodily humors, from Anglo-French, from Latin solution-, solutio, from solvere to loosen, solve

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

solution Synonyms

Synonyms

answer, result;

clue, key;

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

SOLUTION Defined for English Language Learners

solution

noun

Definition of solution for English Language Learners

: something that is used or done to deal with and end a problem : something that solves a problem
: the act of solving something
: a correct answer to a problem, puzzle, etc.

SOLUTION Defined for Kids

solution

noun so·lu·tion \ sə-ˈlü-shən \

Definition of solution for Students

1 : the act or process of solving

His solution to the problem was to wait.

2 : an answer to a problem : explanation

The solution of the math problem is on the board.

3 : the act or process by which a solid, liquid, or gas is dissolved in a liquid

4 : a liquid in which something has been dissolved

a solution of sugar in water

Medical Dictionary

solution

noun so·lu·tion \ sə-ˈlü-shən \

medical Definition of solution

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