Dis·solve v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dissolved p. pr. & vb. n. Dissolving.]
1. To separate into competent parts; to disorganize; to break up; hence, to bring to an end by separating the parts, sundering a relation, etc.; to terminate; to destroy; to deprive of force; as, to dissolve a partnership; to dissolve Parliament.
Lest his ungoverned rage dissolve the life. --Shak.
2. To break the continuity of; to disconnect; to disunite; to sunder; to loosen; to undo; to separate.
Nothing can dissolve us. --Shak.
Down fell the duke, his joints dissolved asunder. --Fairfax.
For one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. --The Declaration of Independence.
3. To convert into a liquid by means of heat, moisture, etc.,; to melt; to liquefy; to soften.
As if the world were all dissolved to tears. --Shak.
4. To solve; to clear up; to resolve. “Dissolved the mystery.”
Make interpretations and dissolve doubts. --Dan. v. 16.
5. To relax by pleasure; to make powerless.
Angels dissolved in hallelujahs lie. --Dryden.
6. Law To annul; to rescind; to discharge or release; as, to dissolve an injunction.
Syn: -- See Adjourn.
Dis·solv·ing, a. Melting; breaking up; vanishing. -- Dis*solv*ing*ly, adv.
Dissolving view, a picture which grows dim and is gradually replaced by another on the same field; -- an effect produced by magic lanterns.
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dissolving
adj : causing to dissolve; "the dissolving medium is called the
solvent"
n : the process of going into solution; "the dissolving of salt
in water" [syn: dissolution]