The company offered little 'by way of explanation' for the delays. [=as a way of explaining why there were delays]
Some of the more technical terms need/require 'explanation'. [=they need to be explained]
a likely/probable/possible/plausible 'explanation of' how the accident occurred
(..) - Yeah, sure! - You have to take me on this trip. - What are you talking about? You want to make me beg? No. All l want is an explanation. l just smashed my cab and lost my job. Besides that, everything is peachy! Thanks for asking. Would you just explain calmly? You don't know you won a trip (..)1997 The Fifth Element