[res.o.lu.tion] n [ME, fr. MF or L; MF resolution, fr. L resolution-, resolutio, fr. resolvere] (14c) 1: the act or process of reducing to simpler form: as a: the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b: the act of answering: solving c: the act of determining d: the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e: the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1): the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2): the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g: the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum h: the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light
2: the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation) 3 a: something that is resolved "made a ~ to mend my ways" b: firmness of resolve
4: a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group
5: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out syn see courage