answer

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
answer/ˈɑːnsə(r)/

▶noun

• 1 something said, written, or done as a reaction to a question, statement, or situation.

• 2 the solution to a problem.

• 3 (answer to) a person or thing regarded as the equivalent to a better-known one from another place: she's Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe.

▶verb

• 1 respond with an answer.

  ■ (answer back) respond impudently.

• 2 defend oneself against (a charge or accusation).

  ■ (answer for) be responsible or to blame for.

• 3 (answer to) be responsible or report to.

• 4 be suitable for fulfilling (a need); satisfy.

– phrases
answer to the name of be called.
in answer to as a response to or as a result of.

– derivatives
answerer noun.

– origin OE andswaru (n.), andswarian (v.), of Gmc origin; from a base shared by swear.