[dis.solve] vb [ME, fr. L dissolvere, fr. dis- + solvere to loosen--more at solve] vt (14c) 1 a: to cause to disperse or disappear: destroy b: to separate into component parts: disintegrate c: to bring to an end: terminate "~ parliament" d: annul "~ an injunction"
2. a: to cause to pass into solution "~ sugar in water" b: melt, liquefy c: to cause to be emotionally moved d: to cause to fade out in a dissolve 3 archaic: detach, loosen
4: to clear up "~ a problem" ~ vi 1 a: to become dissipated or decomposed b: break up, disperse c: to fade away
2. a: to become fluid: melt b: to pass into solution c: to be overcome emotionally "dissolved into tears" d: to resolve itself as if by dissolution "hate dissolved into fear" e: to change by a dissolve "the scene ~s to a Victorian parlor" -- dis.solv.able adj -- dis.sol.vent n or adj -- dis.solv.er n
[2]dissolve n (1916): a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen