What is "to resolve a nebula"

Resolve \Re*solve"\ (r?*z?lv"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Resolved (-z?lvd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Resolving.] [L. resolvere, resolutum, to untie, loosen, relax, enfeeble; pref. re- re- + solvere to loosen, dissolve: cf. F. r['e]soudare to resolve. See Solve, and cf. Resolve, v. i., Resolute, Resolution.]

1. To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; -- said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve.

   O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!
   --Shak.

   Ye immortal souls, who once were men, And now resolved to elements again.
   --Dryden.

2. To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; -- said of complex ideas or obscure questions; to make clear or certain; to free from doubt; to disentangle; to unravel; to explain; hence, to clear up, or dispel, as doubt; as, to resolve a riddle. ``Resolve my doubt.''
   --Shak.

   To the resolving whereof we must first know that the Jews were commanded to divorce an unbelieving Gentile.
   --Milton.

3. To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.

   Sir, be resolved. I must and will come.
   --Beau. & Fl.

   Resolve me, Reason, which of these is worse, Want with a full, or with an empty purse?
   --Pope.

   In health, good air, pleasure, riches, I am resolved it can not be equaled by any region.
   --Sir W. Raleigh.

   We must be resolved how the law can be pure and perspicuous, and yet throw a polluted skirt over these Eleusinian mysteries.
   --Milton.

4. To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event.

5. To express, as an opinion or determination, by resolution and vote; to declare or decide by a formal vote; -- followed by a clause; as, the house resolved (or, it was resolved by the house) that no money should be apropriated (or, to appropriate no money).

6. To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; -- used only reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.

7. (Math.) To solve, as a problem, by enumerating the several things to be done, in order to obtain what is required; to find the answer to, or the result of.
   --Hutton.

8. (Med.) To dispere or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumor.

9. (Mus.) To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several tendencies, resulting in a concord.

10. To relax; to lay at ease. [Obs.]
    --B. Jonson.

    To resolve a nebula.(Astron.) See Resolution of a nebula, under Resolution.

    Syn: To solve; analyze; unravel; disentangle.