solvent

[ sol-vuhnt ]

adjective

1. able to pay all just debts.
2. having the power of dissolving; causing solution.

noun

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

   Water is a solvent for sugar.

2. something that solves or explains.

solvent

/ ˈsɒlvənt /

adjective

1. capable of meeting financial obligations
2. (of a substance, esp a liquid) capable of dissolving another substance

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

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• ˈsolvently, adverb

Other Words From

• solvent·less adjective
• solvent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solvent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of solvent¹

C17: from Latin solvēns releasing, from solvere to free, solve

Example Sentences

Also known as decahydronaphthalene, it is a colourless liquid at room temperature that is often used as a solvent, as well as in the production of various resins and polymers.

From Science Daily

The ‘business’ he left on November 11, 2022 was neither solvent nor safe.

From Los Angeles Times

“That technology involves using chemical solvents to remove 90% of the carbon dioxide from the plant’s exhaust stream, transporting the captured carbon dioxide via pipeline, and permanently storing the captured carbon dioxide underground.”

From Los Angeles Times

The public are being warned about fake bottles of Glen’s Vodka which have been found to contain an industrial solvent that can cause death in severe cases.

From BBC

At each of the seven locations, the tests recorded levels of toxic cleaning solvents that were above environmental screening levels that could pose a long-term threat to human health and the environment.

From Los Angeles Times