ˌrezəˈlüshən also -zəlˈyü- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French resolution, from Latin resolution-, resolutio, from resolutus (past participle of resolvere to resolve) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process of reducing to simpler form: as
a. : the act of analyzing or converting a complex notion into simpler ones or into its elements
b. : the act of solving
c. : the act of determining
d. : the passing of a musical voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance — see suspension illustration
e. : the act of separating a chemical compound into its elements or a mixture into its component parts ; specifically : separation of a racemic compound or mixture into its two components
f.
(1) : the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (as the components of a long syllable in ancient Greek and Latin verse into two short syllables)
(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 ; especially : the finding of the components of a vector (as a force) in specified directions
h. : the act, process, or capability of rendering distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images (as with a microscope) or sources of light (as with a telescope), nearly identical wavelengths of light (as with a spectrograph), particles of nearly the same energy, particles of nearly the same mass (as with a mass spectrograph), or events occurring at nearly the same time (as with a nuclear radiation detector)
2.
a. archaic : the dissipation of unhealthy matter (as of humors or a contagium) from the body
b. archaic : weakening or relaxation of control of a bodily part
c. : the subsidence of inflammation ; specifically : the solution and enzymic digestion of lung exudates in pneumonia and their absorption by the blood resulting in restoration of a normal aerated condition to the lung — compare consolidation , organization
3. : a result of resolution : something that is resolved: as
a. : something separated into its component parts or reduced to a simpler form (as by dissolution or melting) ; also : conversion into liquid
b. : something that is determined upon : settled determination ; also : firmness or constancy of resolve
c.
(1) archaic : a decisive or clarifying statement or verdict
(2) : a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent by an official body or assembled group
the committee sent a resolution of sympathy
also : a declaration submitted to an assembly for adoption — see concurrent resolution , joint resolution
d. : the consonant tone or consonance in which a musical dissonance is resolved
e. : a product of prosodic resolution
two short syllables forming the resolution of a long
f.
(1) : the precision with which a television picture is or can be reproduced usually measured in terms of the number of lines that can be distinguished in a picture
(2) : the minimum separation at which two targets can be distinguished by radar
4.
a. : the quality of mind or spirit admitting or productive of resolution (as of problems) : decision of character : resoluteness
b. obsolete : firmness in opinion : assured knowledge : certainty
5. : the point in a play or other work of literature at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out
Synonyms: see courage