An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To make a solution of, as by mixing with a liquid; pass into solution.

Etymology (EN): From L. dissolvere “to loosen up, break apart,” from → dis- “apart” + solvere “to loose, loosen, untie,” from PIE *se-lu-, from reflexive pronoun *swe- + base *leu- “to loosen, divide, cut apart” (cf. Gk. lyein “to loosen, release, untie,” Skt. lunati “cuts, cuts off,” lavitram “sickle,” O.E. leosan “to lose,” leas “loose.”

Etymology (PE): Vâluyidan, infinitive from stem vâlu(y)-, from vâ-→ de- + lu, variant of Mod.Pers. las “loose,” lâ “slit, cut,” luš “torn,” lok “torn, piece,” lâc “open, wide open” (→ analysis), from PIE
*leu- “to loosen, divide, cut apart.”