solution

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noun so·lu·tion \ sə-ˈlü-shən \

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

CPS abandoned the plan months later amid intense community opposition, while saying officials wanted to find an agreeable solution for the area.

— juan perez jr., chicagotribune.com, "Little Village residents, officials ask CPS for new school building," 30 Aug. 2017
His solution to immigration reform is to build a wall, but even with borders and barriers, these countries share a long, storied history.

— araceli cruz, Teen Vogue, "Mexican Repatriation During the Great Depression, Explained," 30 Aug. 2017
Schebler is one of the faster players on the team, but may not be a long-term solution at the position if Hamilton were to miss time.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "Reds notes: Phillip Ervin gets a look in CF," 30 Aug. 2017
For police departments to prevent and solve crimes, all officers need to work routinely in partnership with residents to find solutions to problems.

— jsonline.com, "Trust damaged between Milwaukee police and community, Department of Justice draft report says," 30 Aug. 2017
But the task is also diplomatic: to continue to stress to China that this problem is festering and that a solution needs to be found that moves back toward talks.

— stephan haggard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "What is North Korea's goal with missile tests? Perhaps not what you think," 29 Aug. 2017
Colonial authorities agreed with Danckaerts that the solution to the problem of native drunkenness was a prohibition against selling or trading spirits.

— Longreads, "America’s First Addiction Epidemic," 29 Aug. 2017
With public funding options limited, Alabama transportation officials are turning to the private sector for advice and creative solutions in paying for the massive Interstate 10 overhaul in coastal Alabama.

— john sharp, AL.com, "Few answers exist on how to pay for I-10 Bridge project as Alabama turns to the private sector," 28 Aug. 2017
Patients who are in immediate danger and want help or are found not to have capacity may be admitted to the hospital and placed in the care of a geriatrician until a solution can be found.

— barbara sadick, Kaiser Health News, "Elder Abuse: ERs Learn How To Protect A Vulnerable Population," 28 Aug. 2017

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

See Words from the same year

solution Synonyms

Synonyms

result, answer

Related Words

conclusion, determination, explanation, finding; clue, key

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

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

SOLUTION Defined for English Language Learners

solution

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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

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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

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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