re·solve / riˈzälv; -ˈzôlv/ • v. 1. [tr.] settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter): the firm aims to resolve problems within 30 days. ∎  [tr.] Med. cause (a symptom or condition) to disperse, subside, or heal: endoscopic biliary drainage can rapidly resolve jaundice. ∎  [intr.] (of a symptom or condition) disperse, subside, or heal: symptoms resolved after a median of four weeks. ∎  [intr.] Mus. (of a discord) lead into a concord during the course of harmonic change. ∎  [tr.] Mus. cause (a discord) to pass into a concord.2. [intr.] decide firmly on a course of action: she resolved to call Dana as soon as she got home. ∎  (of a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting) make a decision by a formal vote: the committee resolved that teachers should make their recommendations without knowledge of test scores | the conference resolved to support an alliance. 3. chiefly Chem. separate or cause to be separated into components. ∎  [tr.] (resolve something into) reduce a subject, statement, etc., by mental analysis into (separate elements or a more elementary form): the ability to resolve facts into their legal categories. ∎  [intr.] (of something seen at a distance) turn into a different form when seen more clearly: the orange glow resolved itself into four lanterns. ∎  [tr.] (of optical or photographic equipment) separate or distinguish between (closely adjacent objects): Hubble was able to resolve six variable stars in M31. ∎  [tr.] separately distinguish (peaks in a graph or spectrum). ∎  [tr.] Physics analyze (a force or velocity) into components acting in particular directions.• n. firm determination to do something: she received information that strengthened her resolve| she intended to stick to her initial resolve. ∎  a formal resolution by a legislative body or public meeting.DERIVATIVES: re·solv·a·bil·i·ty / riˌzälvəˈbilətē; -ˈzôlvə-/ n.re·solv·a·ble adj.re·solv·er n.