Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   2. That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory
      explanation.

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

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

   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}.

Source : WordNet®

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: {account}]
     2: thought that makes something comprehensible
     3: the act of explaining; making something plain or
        intelligible; "I heard his explanation of the accident"