The noun explanation has 3 senses (first 2 from tagged texts)
1. (29) explanation, account -- (a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.; "the explanation was very simple"; "I expected a brief account")
2. (8) explanation -- (thought that makes something comprehensible)
3. explanation -- (the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible; "I heard his explanation of the accident")