1375, "a solving or being solved," from O.Fr. solucion, from L. solutionem (nom. solutio) "a loosening or unfastening," also "a solving," from pp. stem of solvere "to loosen, untie, solve, dissolve" (see solve). Meaning "liquid containing a dissolved substance" is first recorded 1594.
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution; "he used a solution of peroxide and water"
2.
a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem; "they were trying to find a peaceful solution"; "the answers were in the back of the book"; "he computed the result to four decimal places"
3.
a method for solving a problem; "the easy solution is to look it up in the handbook"
4.
the set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
5.
the successful action of solving a problem; "the solution took three hours"
Chemistry A mixture in which particles of one or more substances (the solute) are distributed uniformly throughout another substance (the solvent), so that the mixture is homogeneous at the molecular or ionic level. The particles in a solution are smaller than those in either a colloid or a suspension. Compare colloid, suspension.
Mathematics A value or values which, when substituted for a variable in an equation, make the equation true. For example, the solutions to the equation x2 = 4 are 2 and -2.
solutionjargon A marketroid term for something he wants to sell you without bothering you with the often dizzying distinctions between hardware, software, services, applications, file formats, companies, brand names and operating systems. "Flash is a perfect image-streaming solution." "What is it?" "Um... about a thousand dollars." See also: technology. (1998-07-07)
Con`ti*nu"i*ty\, n.; pl. Continuities. [L. continuitas: cf. F. continuit['e]. See Continuous.] the state of being continuous; uninterupted connection or succession; close union of parts; cohesion; as, the continuity of fibers. --Grew. The sight would be tired, if it were attracted by a continuity of glittering objects. --Dryden. Law of continuity (Math. & Physics), the principle that nothing passes from one state to another without passing through all the intermediate states. Solution of continuity. (Math.) See under Solution.
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