Res·o·lu·tion n.
 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.
    The unraveling and resolution of the difficulties that are met with in the execution of the design are the end of an action.   --Dryden.
 2. The state of being relaxed; relaxation. [Obs.]
 3. The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination.
    Be it with resolution then to fight.   --Shak.
 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.
 5. The state of being resolved or firm in opinion or thought; conviction; assurance. [Obs.]
    Little resolution and certainty there is as touching the islands of Mauritania.   --Holland.
 6. Math. The act or process of solving; solution; as, the resolution of an equation or problem.
 7. Med. A breaking up, disappearance; or termination, as of a fever, a tumor, or the like.
 8. Mus. The passing of a dissonant into a consonant chord by the rising or falling of the note which makes the discord.
 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.
 Syn: -- Decision; analysis; separation; disentanglement; dissolution; resolvedness; resoluteness; firmness; constancy; perseverance; steadfastness; fortitude; boldness; purpose; resolve. See Decision.

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