solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
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

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 Perhaps a more durable solution would be for Apple to partner with an AI company like Anthropic or Mistral, where the potential antitrust pitfalls aren’t quite so predictable. David Meyer, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 The solution to the country’s lopsided trade profile lies in boosting the purchasing power of Chinese consumers, enabling them to buy more of what Chinese factories produce. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 When faced with a challenge, Rachel uses all her resources to find a solution. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 And this has been his primary objective, stopping a two-state solution. CBS News, 17 Mar. 2024 DirecTV may have a solution, albeit a controversial one. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Mar. 2024 The trainings have taken place around the world, aiming to help advocates acquire the skills to advance climate solutions in their communities. USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 And even if Israeli public opinion miraculously changed, there is no partner on the other side for a two-state solution. The Editors, National Review, 15 Mar. 2024 His solution: prove that AI can be used for more than profit. Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of solution was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near solution

Cite this Entry

“Solution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solution. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

solution

noun
so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
1
a
: an act or process of solving
b
: an answer to a problem : explanation
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 How to pronounce solution (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on solution

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