Some mathematicians were definitely provided with solution (8)
I believe the answer is:
answered
'provided with solution' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'some mathematicians were definitely' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'ANSWERED' is hidden in the letters of 'mathematicians were definitely'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for answered that I've seen before include "was sufficient" , "Responded to a question" , "Sawn reed (anag.)" , "Returned" , "Fulfilled" .)