solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or means 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

chemistry : a homogenous mixture formed by mixing one solid, liquid, or gaseous substance with another

especially : a liquid system consisting of one phase

… use a mild disinfectant such as a bleach/water solution.

—Ed Blonz

b

chemistry : the act or process of such mixing

… the solution of CO₂ into oceanic waters causes the pH to fall as the ocean becomes more acidic.

—James W. Porter and Josiah Meigs

c

chemistry : the condition of being dissolved

3

: a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity: such as

a

: a separating of normally continuous parts (such as body parts)

b

: dissolution, dispersion

Synonyms of solution

• 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

Based on the trailer, the brothers may not see eye to eye on possible solutions to their joint problem. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Many potential solutions — like features that would blur peoples’ faces automatically when recording or require their legal consent before uploading videos — would be challenging to implement and still wouldn’t fully address the risks. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

The solution is getting the timing right for light exposure, darkness, and sleep. — Jd Shadel, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Mathematicians have long known that some polynomial equations have only rational solutions, while others have irrational solutions (such as ). — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

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 1b

Phrases Containing solution

• Benedict's solution
• Fehling's solution
• final solution
• Ringer's solution
• solution set

Rhymes for solution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

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