elucidation

/ɪˌlusɪˈdeɪʃən/

Other forms: elucidations

An elucidation is really just a fancy name for an "explanation." Sherlock Holmes revealing his deductions to Dr. Watson is a classic example of elucidation.

Because of its suggestion of complexity, elucidation is a word often used in a scientific or educational context: scientists will elucidate their latest theories to the public or a college professor will elucidate some complicated theorem to their students. You need to be wide awake for an elucidation. There's often a test to follow.

Definitions of elucidation

1. noun

   an act of explaining that serves to clear up and cast light on
   type of:

   explanation

   the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible
2. noun

   an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding
   synonyms: clarification, illumination

   types:

   disambiguation

   clarification that follows from the removal of ambiguity

   lexical disambiguation

   disambiguation of the sense of a polysemantic word

   type of:

   interpretation

   an explanation that results from interpreting something