solvent

American  

[sol-vuhnt] / ˈsɒl vənt /

adjective

1. able to pay all just debts.

2. having the power of dissolving; causing solution.

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noun

1. a substance that dissolves another to form a solution.

   Water is a solvent for sugar.

2. something that solves or explains.

solvent British  

/ ˈsɒlvənt /

adjective

1. capable of meeting financial obligations

2. (of a substance, esp a liquid) capable of dissolving another substance

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noun

1. a liquid capable of dissolving another substance

   water is a solvent for salt

2. the component of a solution that does not change its state in forming the solution or the component that is present in excess Compare solute

3. something that solves

solvent Scientific  

/ sŏl′vənt /

1. A substance that can dissolve another substance, or in which another substance is dissolved, forming a solution. Water is the most common solvent.

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Other Word Forms

• solventless adjective
• solvently adverb

Etymology

Origin of solvent

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin solvent-, stem of solvēns “loosening,” present participle of solvere “to loosen, release”; solve

Example Sentences

With the right balance of water and solvent, a plain surface can transform into a vibrant array of patterns.

From Science Daily

Amines are used as solvents and catalysts in an array of industries, from pharmaceuticals to personal care and agrochemicals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Treasury, Emirati firms handle by far the world’s highest volume of Iran’s shadow funds, exploiting opaque registries and lax rules to keep Tehran solvent.

From The Wall Street Journal

This approach differs from traditional techniques, which often require dissolving samples in solvents and can damage delicate artifacts.

From Science Daily

This localized solvent atmosphere promotes grain rearrangement and growth, working together with the seeded crystallization process to produce a more uniform and stable film.

From Science Daily