explanation

An explanation is a statement which points to causes, , and consequences of some object, process, state of affairs, etc., together with rules or laws that link these to the object. Some of these of the explanation may be implicit. Explanations can only be given by those with understanding of the object which is explained. In scientific research, explanation is one of three purposes of research (the other two being exploration and description). Explanation is the discovery and reporting of relationships among different aspects of studied phenomena.
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(n.)
The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; interpretation; sense.
  

(n.)
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.
  

(n.)
That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation.
  

(n.)
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.
  

A structure, act, or process that provides understanding.
<Discussion> < References> Paul Thagard

Noun
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"
(synonym) account
(hypernym) statement
(hyponym) simplification
(part-meronym) explicandum, explanandum
(derivation) explain
2. thought that makes something comprehensible
(hypernym) thinking, thought, cerebration, intellection, mentation
(hyponym) interpretation, interpreting, rendition, rendering
(part-meronym) basis, base, foundation, fundament, groundwork, cornerstone
3. the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible; "I heard his explanation of the accident"
(hypernym) speech act
(hyponym) elucidation
(derivation) excuse, explain