An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To find an answer or solution to; clear up; explain. related concept: → dissolve.
   
2. To make a solution of, as by mixing with liquid.

Etymology (EN): M.E. solven, from L. solvere “to loosen, dissolve, untie,” from PIE *se-lu-, from reflexive pronoun *swe- + base *leu- “to loosen, divide, cut apart;” cf. Gk. lyein “to loosen, release, untie,” O.E. -leosan “to lose,” leas “loose;” E. lose, loose and Ger. los derive from this root.

Etymology (PE): Luyidan, infinitive from stem lu(y)-, from
lu, variant of Mod.Pers. las “loose,” lâ “slit, cut,” luš “torn,” lok “torn, piece,” lâc “open, wide open;” lu, lunoti “to cut, sever, mow, pluck, tear asunder, destroy,” lava “cutting, plucking; what is cut; fragment, piece;” Gk. lyein “to loosen, release, untie,” as above. PIE *leu- “to loosen, divide, cut apart”.