ˌekspləˈnāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English explanacioun, from Latin explanation-, explanatio, from explanatus (past participle of explanare to level, make plain or clear) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process of explaining : exposition , interpretation , clarification
explanation consists in successfully comparing new phenomena with older and more familiar ones — J.H.Woodger
2. : something that explains or that results from the act or process of explaining ; specifically : a statement incorporating an explanation
the explanations offered for mistakes followed a set pattern — V.G.Heiser
3. : a mutual discussion designed to correct a misunderstanding or reconcile differences : reconciliation
another person I should like an explanation with — Elizabeth Bowen