Search Result for "explanation": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (3)

1. a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.;
- Example: "the explanation was very simple"
- Example: "I expected a brief account"
[syn: explanation, account]

2. thought that makes something comprehensible;

3. the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible;
- Example: "I heard his explanation of the accident"



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Explanation \Ex`pla*na"tion\, n. [L. explanatio: cf. OF.
   esplanation.]
   1. The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the
      act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible;
      as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a
      contract or treaty.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory
      explanation.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it;
      definition; interpretation; sense.
      [1913 Webster]

            Different explanations [of the Trinity]. --Bp.
                                                  Burnet.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a
      view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile
      differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an
      explanation.

   Syn: Definition; description; explication; exposition;
        interpretation; detail. See Definition.
        [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

explanation
    n 1: a statement that makes something comprehensible by
         describing the relevant structure or operation or
         circumstances etc.; "the explanation was very simple"; "I
         expected a brief account" [syn: explanation, account]
    2: thought that makes something comprehensible
    3: the act of explaining; making something plain or
       intelligible; "I heard his explanation of the accident"