dissolution

Everyday

1. (formal) The official ending of a group, organisation, parliament, marriage or agreement. tree →
2. (science, rare) Dissolving: a solid mixing into a liquid until you can no longer see it. tree →
3. Breaking up or falling apart. tree →
4. Dissolution can also mean death, the ending of a person's life. tree →

In the lessons

In history and citizenship lessons: «the dissolution of Parliament» before an election, «the Dissolution of the Monasteries» in English history (when the king closed them). In science, the everyday school word is «dissolving»; «dissolution» is more formal. Phrases: «the dissolution of», «dissolution of a partnership».

Examples

• (formal) The dissolution of Parliament means an election is coming. tree →
• The Dissolution of the Monasteries closed many abbeys in England. tree →
• The club voted for its dissolution after losing its members. tree →
• (science) The dissolution of sugar is faster in hot water. tree →
• The band's dissolution upset its fans. tree →
• There came to him a presentiment of his early dissolution. tree →

Note

Formal. Verb: «dissolve». Pronounced «dis-uh-LOO-shun». Do not confuse with «disillusion» (losing your hopes about something). In science, dissolving does not make the substance disappear: its mass is still in the solution.