1 [C,U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a statement, fact, or situation that tells you why sth happened; a reason given for sth:
The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed. * to offer / provide an explanation * I can't think of any possible explanation for his absence. * She left the room abruptly without explanation. * 'I had to see you,' he said, by way of explanation. * She didn't give a very adequate explanation for being late. * The book opens with an explanation of why some drugs are banned. * an explanation as to why he had left early -< REASON
2 [C] a statement or piece of writing that tells you how sth works or makes sth easier to understand:
For a full explanation of how the machine works, turn to page 5. * The teacher gave the children a detailed explanation of the story.
