noun

1. 1. the act or process of resolving something or breaking it up into its constituent parts or elements
   2. the result of this
2. 1. a resolving, or determining; deciding
   2. the thing determined upon; decision as to future action; resolve
3. a resolute quality of mind
4. a formal statement of opinion or determination adopted by an assembly or other formal group
5. a solving, as of a puzzle, or answering, as of a question; solution
6. that part of a play, novel, etc. in which the plot is explained or made clear
7. Med. the subsidence or disappearance of swelling, fever, or other manifestation of disease
8. Music
   1. the passing of a dissonant chord (or tone in a chord) to a consonant chord (or tone)
   2. a chord or tone to which such passing occurs
9. Physics the capability of an optical system, or other imaging system, of making clear and distinguishable the separate parts or components of an object

Etymology: ME resolucioun, dissolution < MFr resolution < L resolutio < resolutus: see resolute