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
(..) Nothing. I've got access to Mother now... and I'll get my own answers, thank you. All right. There is an explanation for this, you know. Is there really? I want an answer, not an explanation! I want... I want... (..)1979 Alien