English Reference
verb · adjective

dissolved

v. · adj.
US /dɪˈzɑɫvd/ UK /dɪsˈɒlvd/ dis·solved

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Science

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

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

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

    Simple

    The king dissolved the parliament and called for new elections.

    In context

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

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    v.disappeared slowly or lost its strength.

    v.gradually disappeared, faded, or lost definition and clarity.

    Simple

    Her anger dissolved when she saw his sincere apology.

    In context

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

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    adj.describes something that is already mixed into a liquid.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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

The paper says it understands that the pair "dissolved their 19-year marriage last month, days before his drink-drive arrest and rant a petrol station staff".

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

The researchers argue that dissolved oxygen levels should also be formally included.

ScienceDaily· 20 Jul 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated