(separate elements or a more elementary form). ▶ chiefly Chemistry separate into constituent parts or components. 5 (of something seen at a distance) turn into a different form when seen more clearly. ▶ (of optical or photographic equipment) separate or distinguish between (closely adjacent objects). ▶ technical separately distinguish (peaks in a graph or spectrum). 6 Physics analyse (a force or velocity) into components acting in particular directions. ■ noun 1 firm determination. 2 US a formal resolution