answer (Noun) — A statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation. ex. "I waited several days for his answer"
answer (Noun) — A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem. ex. "the answers were in the back of the book"
answer (Noun) — The speech act of replying to a question.
answer (Noun) — (law) the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of 'guilty' or 'not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defences or counterclaims.
answer (Noun) — A nonverbal reaction. ex. "his answer to any problem was to get drunk" ex. "their answer was to sue me"
answer (Verb) — React verbally. ex. "answer the question" ex. "We answered that we would accept the invitation" ex. "She didn't want to answer"
answer (Verb) — Respond to a signal. ex. "answer the door" ex. "answer the telephone"
answer (Verb) — Give the correct answer or solution to. ex. "answer a question" ex. "answer the riddle"
answer (Verb) — Understand the meaning of. ex. "The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered"
answer (Verb) — Give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument). ex. "The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution"
answer (Verb) — Be liable or accountable. ex. "She must answer for her actions"
answer (Verb) — Be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity. ex. "A few words would answer"
answer (Verb) — Match or correspond. ex. "The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave"
answer (Verb) — Be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of. ex. "This may answer her needs"
answer (Verb) — React to a stimulus or command. ex. "The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch"