resolving power

Resolution Res`o*lu"tion (-l?"sh?n), n. [F. r['e]solution. L. resolutio a loosening, solution. See {Resolve}.] 1. The act, operation, or process of resolving. Specifically: (a) The act of separating a compound into its elements or component parts. (b) The act of analyzing a complex notion, or solving a vexed question or difficult problem. [1913 Webster]

The unraveling and resolution of the difficulties that are met with in the execution of the design are the end of an action. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

2. The state of being relaxed; relaxation. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

3. The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination. [1913 Webster]

Be it with resolution then to fight. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. That which is resolved or determined; a settled purpose; determination. Specifically: A formal expression of the opinion or will of an official body or a public assembly, adopted by vote; as, a legislative resolution; the resolutions of a public meeting. [1913 Webster]

5. The state of being resolved or firm in opinion or thought; conviction; assurance. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Little resolution and certainty there is as touching the islands of Mauritania. --Holland. [1913 Webster]

6. (Math.) The act or process of solving; solution; as, the resolution of an equation or problem. [1913 Webster]

7. (Med.) A breaking up, disappearance; or termination, as of a fever, a tumor, or the like. [1913 Webster]

8. (Mus.) The passing of a dissonant into a consonant chord by the rising or falling of the note which makes the discord. [1913 Webster]

9. (Technical) The act of distinguishing between two close but not identical objects, or, when taking a measurement, bbetween two close values of the property measured. [PJC]

10. (Technical) a measure of the ability to distinguish between two close but not identical values of the property being measured; it is expressed as the difference in values of a property necessary to make such a distinction; as, a microscope with a resolution of one micron; a thermometer with a resolution of one-tenth of a degree. Also called {resolving power}. [PJC]

{Joint resolution}. See under {Joint}, a.

{Resolution of a force} or {Resolution of a motion} (Mech.), the separation of a single force or motion into two or more which have different directions, and, taken together, are an equivalent for the single one; -- the opposite of {composition of a force}.

{Resolution of a nebula} (Astron.), the exhibition of it to the eye by a telescope of such power as to show it to be composed of small stars. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Decision; analysis; separation; disentanglement; dissolution; resolvedness; resoluteness; firmness; constancy; perseverance; steadfastness; fortitude; boldness; purpose; resolve. See {Decision}. [1913 Webster]