ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dissolved

v. · adj.
US //dɪˈzɑɫvd// UK //dɪsˈɒlvd// dis·solved
  1. 1 mixed into a liquid (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    mixed into a liquid until it became part of it and could no longer be seen.

    the process of a solid becoming incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution.

    Example

    The sugar dissolved quickly in the hot tea as she stirred it.

    Example

    The salt crystals dissolved almost instantly upon contact with the boiling water, leaving the liquid perfectly clear for the next step of the experiment.

  2. 2 ended an organization (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    officially ended a group, a marriage, or a government.

    formally terminated a legal bond, an assembly, or a political body.

    Example

    The king dissolved the parliament and called for new elections.

    Example

    The partnership was formally dissolved after both parties agreed that their strategic visions for the company were no longer compatible.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 faded away (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    disappeared slowly or lost its strength.

    gradually disappeared, faded, or lost definition and clarity.

    Example

    Her anger dissolved when she saw his sincere apology.

    Example

    The morning mist dissolved as the sun rose higher, revealing the jagged peaks of the mountains for the first time that day.

  2. 4 in a liquid state (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    describes something that is already mixed into a liquid.

    referring to a solute that has undergone the process of dissolution and is now in a liquid state.

    Example

    The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water is important for the fish.

    Example

    High levels of dissolved minerals can affect the taste of drinking water and cause buildup in industrial pipes over time.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

    • solubilized
    • undissolved

© 2026 English Reference