a. [ L. absolutus, p. p. of absolvere: cf. F. absolu. See Absolve. ] 1. Loosed from any limitation or condition; uncontrolled; unrestricted; unconditional; as, absolute authority, monarchy, sovereignty, an absolute promise or command; absolute power; an absolute monarch. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Complete in itself; perfect; consummate; faultless; as, absolute perfection; absolute beauty. [ 1913 Webster ]

So absolute she seems,
And in herself complete. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Viewed apart from modifying influences or without comparison with other objects; actual; real; -- opposed to relative and comparative; as, absolute motion; absolute time or space. [ 1913 Webster ]

Absolute rights and duties are such as pertain to man in a state of nature as contradistinguished from relative rights and duties, or such as pertain to him in his social relations. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Loosed from, or unconnected by, dependence on any other being; self-existent; self-sufficing. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In this sense God is called the Absolute by the Theist. The term is also applied by the Pantheist to the universe, or the total of all existence, as only capable of relations in its parts to each other and to the whole, and as dependent for its existence and its phenomena on its mutually depending forces and their laws. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Capable of being thought or conceived by itself alone; unconditioned; non-relative. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ It is in dispute among philosopher whether the term, in this sense, is not applied to a mere logical fiction or abstraction, or whether the absolute, as thus defined, can be known, as a reality, by the human intellect. [ 1913 Webster ]

To Cusa we can indeed articulately trace, word and thing, the recent philosophy of the absolute. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Positive; clear; certain; not doubtful. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

I am absolute 't was very Cloten. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Authoritative; peremptory. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The peddler stopped, and tapped her on the head,
With absolute forefinger, brown and ringed. Mrs. Browning. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Chem.) Pure; unmixed; as, absolute alcohol. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Gram.) Not immediately dependent on the other parts of the sentence in government; as, the case absolute. See Ablative absolute, under Ablative. [ 1913 Webster ]

Absolute curvature (Geom.), that curvature of a curve of double curvature, which is measured in the osculating plane of the curve. --
Absolute equation (Astron.), the sum of the optic and eccentric equations. --
Absolute space (Physics), space considered without relation to material limits or objects. --
Absolute terms. (Alg.), such as are known, or which do not contain the unknown quantity. Davies & Peck. --
Absolute temperature (Physics), the temperature as measured on a scale determined by certain general thermo-dynamic principles, and reckoned from the absolute zero. --
Absolute zero (Physics), the be ginning, or zero point, in the scale of absolute temperature. It is equivalent to -273° centigrade or -459.4° Fahrenheit. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Positive; peremptory; certain; unconditional; unlimited; unrestricted; unqualified; arbitrary; despotic; autocratic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Geom.) In a plane, the two imaginary circular points at infinity; in space of three dimensions, the imaginary circle at infinity. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an absolute, independent, or unconditional manner; wholly; positively. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being absolute; independence of everything extraneous; unlimitedness; absolute power; independent reality; positiveness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. absolution, L. absolutio, fr. absolvere to absolve. See Absolve. ] 1. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense. “Government . . . granting absolution to the nation.” Froude. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (R. C. Ch.) The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication. P. Cyc. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. Shipley. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Delivery, in speech. [ Obs. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Absolution day (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The state of being absolute; the system or doctrine of the absolute; the principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism. [ 1913 Webster ]

The element of absolutism and prelacy was controlling. Palfrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Theol.) Doctrine of absolute decrees. Ash. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who is in favor of an absolute or autocratic government. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Metaph.) One who believes that it is possible to realize a cognition or concept of the absolute. Sir. W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to absolutism; arbitrary; despotic; as, absolutist principles. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to absolutism; absolutist. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. absolutorius, fr. absolvere to absolve. ] Serving to absolve; absolving. “An absolutory sentence.” Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

. A solution used as a vehicle in applying bronze pigments. In addition to acetote, benzine, and a little pyroxylin, it contains amyl acetate, which gives it the odor of bananas. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. [ Basi- + solute, a. ] (Bot.) Prolonged at the base, as certain leaves. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. dissolutus, p. p. of dissolvere: cf. F. dissolu. See Dissolve. ] 1. With nerves unstrung; weak. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Loosed from restraint; recklessly abandoned to sensual pleasures; esp., loose in morals and conduct; profligate; wanton; lewd; debauched. “A wild and dissolute soldier.” Motley.

3. Specifically: Engaging in excessive drinking, or promiscuous sexual activity. [ PJC ]

Syn. -- Uncurbed; unbridled; disorderly; unrestrained; reckless; wild; wanton; vicious; lax; licentious; lewd; rakish; debauched; profligate. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a dissolute manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. State or quality of being dissolute; looseness of morals and manners; addictedness to sinful pleasures; debauchery; dissipation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Chivalry had the vices of dissoluteness. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. dissolucioun dissoluteness, F. dissolution, fr. L. dissolutio, fr. dissolvere. See Dissolve. ] 1. The act of dissolving, sundering, or separating into component parts; separation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dissolutions of ancient amities. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Change from a solid to a fluid state; solution by heat or moisture; liquefaction; melting. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Change of form by chemical agency; decomposition; resolution. [ 1913 Webster ]

The dissolution of the compound. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The dispersion of an assembly by terminating its sessions; the breaking up of a partnership. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dissolution is the civil death of Parliament. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The extinction of life in the human body; separation of the soul from the body; death. [ 1913 Webster ]

We expected
Immediate dissolution. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. The state of being dissolved, or of undergoing liquefaction. [ 1913 Webster ]

A man of continual dissolution and thaw. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. The new product formed by dissolving a body; a solution. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. Destruction of anything by the separation of its parts; ruin. [ 1913 Webster ]

To make a present dissolution of the world. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. Corruption of morals; dissipation; dissoluteness. [ Obs. or R. ] Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

(Med.) An aqueous solution of carbolic acid, borax, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerin, used as a spray in diseases of the nose and throat. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ L. exsolutio a release. ] Relaxation. [ R. ] Richardson (Dict. ). [ 1913 Webster ]

An aqueous solution of arsenite of potassium, of such strength that one hundred parts represent one part of arsenious acid, or white arsenic; -- named from Fowler, an English physician who first brought it into use. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Pref. ir- not + resolute: cf. F. irrésolu, L. irresolutus not loosened. ] Not resolute; not decided or determined; wavering; given to doubt or irresolution. [ 1913 Webster ]

Weak and irresolute is man. Cowper.

Syn. -- Wavering; vacillating; undetermined; undecided; unsettled; fickle; changeable; inconstant.

-- Ir*res"o*lute*ly, adv. -- Ir*res"o*lute*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. the failure to behave in a resolute manner; fluctuation in intention.
Syn. -- irresolution. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Cf. F. irrésolution. ] Lack of resolution; lack of decision in purpose; a fluctuation of mind, as in doubt, or between hope and fear; irresoluteness; indecision; vacillation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Irresolution on the schemes of life which offer themselves to our choice, and inconstancy in pursuing them, are the greatest causes of all unhappiness. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

pos>n. [ From Labarraque, a Parisian apothecary. ] (Med.) An aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite, extensively used as a disinfectant. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sodium hypochlorite is the same compound used in the commercial trademarked bleach Clorox(TM). It has both disinfectant and bleaching activity. [ PJC ]

adj. producing images that are not sharply defined; -- of optical instruments or image display devices. Opposite of high-resolution. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

[ See Monsel's salt. ] (Med.) An aqueous solution of Monsel's salt, having valuable styptic properties. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Failure of solution or explanation. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. résolu. The L. resolutus (p. p. of resolvere) means, relaxed, enervated, effeminate. See Resolve, v. t. & i. ] 1. Having a decided purpose; determined; resolved; fixed in a determination; hence, bold; firm; steady. [ 1913 Webster ]

Edward is at hand,
Ready to fight; therefore be resolute. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Convinced; satisfied; sure. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Resolving, or explaining; as, the Resolute Doctor Durand. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Determined; decided; fixed; steadfast; steady; constant; persevering; firm; bold; unshaken. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who is resolute; hence, a desperado. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Redelivery; repayment. [ Obs. ] “Yearly resolutes, deductions, and payments.” Bp. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a resolute manner; with fixed purpose; boldly; firmly; steadily; with perseverance. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some . . . facts he examines, some he resolutely denies. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being resolute. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. résolution. L. resolutio a loosening, solution. See Resolve. ] 1. The act, operation, or process of resolving. Specifically: (a) The act of separating a compound into its elements or component parts. (b) The act of analyzing a complex notion, or solving a vexed question or difficult problem. [ 1913 Webster ]

The unraveling and resolution of the difficulties that are met with in the execution of the design are the end of an action. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being relaxed; relaxation. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination. [ 1913 Webster ]

Be it with resolution then to fight. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. That which is resolved or determined; a settled purpose; determination. Specifically: A formal expression of the opinion or will of an official body or a public assembly, adopted by vote; as, a legislative resolution; the resolutions of a public meeting. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The state of being resolved or firm in opinion or thought; conviction; assurance. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Little resolution and certainty there is as touching the islands of Mauritania. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Math.) The act or process of solving; solution; as, the resolution of an equation or problem. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Med.) A breaking up, disappearance; or termination, as of a fever, a tumor, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Mus.) The passing of a dissonant into a consonant chord by the rising or falling of the note which makes the discord. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Technical) The act of distinguishing between two close but not identical objects, or, when taking a measurement, bbetween two close values of the property measured. [ PJC ]

10. (Technical) a measure of the ability to distinguish between two close but not identical values of the property being measured; it is expressed as the difference in values of a property necessary to make such a distinction; as, a microscope with a resolution of one micron; a thermometer with a resolution of one-tenth of a degree. Also called resolving power. [ PJC ]

Joint resolution. See under Joint, a. --
Resolution of a force or
Resolution of a motion (Mech.), the separation of a single force or motion into two or more which have different directions, and, taken together, are an equivalent for the single one; -- the opposite of composition of a force. --
Resolution of a nebula (Astron.), the exhibition of it to the eye by a telescope of such power as to show it to be composed of small stars. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Decision; analysis; separation; disentanglement; dissolution; resolvedness; resoluteness; firmness; constancy; perseverance; steadfastness; fortitude; boldness; purpose; resolve. See Decision. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who makes a resolution; one who joins with others in a declaration or resolution; specifically, one of a party in the Scottish Church in the 17th century. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was sequestrated afterwards as a Resolutioner. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who makes a resolution. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf.F. résolutif. ] Serving to dissolve or relax. [ R. ] Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Resolutive. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. solutus, p. p. of solvere to loosen. See Solve. ] 1. Loose; free; liberal; as, a solute interpretation. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Relaxed; hence; merry; cheerful. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A brow solute, and ever-laughing eye. Young. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Soluble; as, a solute salt. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Bot.) Not adhering; loose; -- opposed to adnate; as, a solute stipule. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. 1. To dissolve; to resolve. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To absolve; as, to solute sin. [ Obs. ] Bale. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. solucion, OF. solucion, F. solution, fr. L. solutio, fr. solvere, solutum, to loosen, dissolve. See Solve. ] 1. The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach. [ 1913 Webster ]

In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; -- used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Chem.Phys.) The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ When a solvent will not take in any more of a substance the solution is said to be saturated. Solution is of two kinds; viz.: (a) Mechanical solution, in which no marked chemical change takes place, and in which, in the case of solids, the dissolved body can be regained by evaporation, as in the solution of salt or sugar in water. (b) Chemical solution, in which there is involved a decided chemical change, as when limestone or zinc undergoes solution in hydrochloric acid. Mechanical solution is regarded as a form of molecular or atomic attraction, and is probably occasioned by the formation of certain very weak and unstable compounds which are easily dissociated and pass into new and similar compounds. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This word is not used in chemistry or mineralogy for fusion, or the melting of bodies by the heat of fire. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Release; deliverance; discharge. [ Obs. ] Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Med.) (a) The termination of a disease; resolution. (b) A crisis. (c) A liquid medicine or preparation (usually aqueous) in which the solid ingredients are wholly soluble. U. S. Disp. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fehling's solution (Chem.), a standardized solution of cupric hydrate in sodium potassium tartrate, used as a means of determining the reducing power of certain sugars and sirups by the amount of red cuprous oxide thrown down. --
Heavy solution (Min.), a liquid of high density, as a solution of mercuric iodide in potassium iodide (called the Sonstadt solution or Thoulet solution) having a maximum specific gravity of 3.2, or of borotungstate of cadium (Klein solution, specific gravity 3.6), and the like. Such solutions are much used in determining the specific gravities of minerals, and in separating them when mechanically mixed as in a pulverized rock. --
Nessler's solution. See Nesslerize. --
Solution of continuity, the separation of connection, or of connected substances or parts; -- applied, in surgery, to a fracture, laceration, or the like. “As in the natural body a wound, or solution of continuity, is worse than a corrupt humor, so in the spiritual.” Bacon. --
Standardized solution (Chem.), a solution which is used as a reagent, and is of a known and standard strength; specifically, a normal solution, containing in each cubic centimeter as many milligrams of the element in question as the number representing its atomic weight; thus, a normal solution of silver nitrate would contain 107.7 mgr. of silver in each cubic centimeter. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. solutif. ] Tending to dissolve; loosening; laxative. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]