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.