solvent

[ sol-vuh nt ]

/ ˈsɒl vənt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR solvent ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

able to pay all just debts.

having the power of dissolving; causing solution.

noun

a substance that dissolves another to form a solution: Water is a solvent for sugar.

something that solves or explains.

Nearby words

solvation, solvay, solvay process, solve, solvency, solvent, solvent abuse, solvolysis, solway firth, solyman, solyman i

Origin of solvent

1620–30; < Latin solvent- (stem of solvēns), present participle of solvere to loosen. See solve, -ent

Related forms

sol·vent·less, adjectivesol·vent·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for solvent

But what Shteyngart describes is the sort of dysfunction that occasionally plagues even the best and most solvent carrier.
Think American Airlines Is Rotten? You Have No Idea How Good You Have It|Patrick Smith|October 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I will note, jdr, that Social Security IS solvent, into the 2040s.
Two Good Questions from Readers|Michael Tomasky|August 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
So all restoring those cuts means is that it will force quicker drastic action on how to keep Medicare solvent.
How to Make Seniors Suspicious of Ryan and Romney|Michael Tomasky|August 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
This solvent is sometimes used as brake fluid in automobiles.
The Great Wine Cover-up|Keith Wallace|August 18, 2009|DAILY BEAST

If they marked those assets to their real values, the banks would have to stop pretending they are solvent.
Greenspan's Hidden Agenda|Paul Kedrosky|February 18, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Ah, if we had that copyright, I do believe it would go far to make me solvent, ill-health and all.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 24 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
The weak govern the strong; the bad govern the good; and the insolvent govern the solvent.
Thirty Years' View (Vol. II of 2)|Thomas Hart Benton
The teeth may be partially attacked from the solvent action of the acid on the enamel.
Poisons: Their Effects and Detection|Alexander Wynter Blyth
It is largely used as a solvent and as an anæsthetic in surgery.
An Elementary Study of Chemistry|William McPherson
The rubber is masticated, mixed, taken up with solvent and spread on the cloth exactly as if it were to be vulcanised.
The Preparation of Plantation Rubber|Sidney Morgan

British Dictionary definitions for solvent

solvent

/ (ˈsɒlvənt) /

adjective

capable of meeting financial obligations

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

noun

a liquid capable of dissolving another substancewater is a solvent for salt

the component of a solution that does not change its state in forming the solution or the component that is present in excessCompare solute

something that solves

Derived Forms

solvently, adverb

Word Origin for solvent

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for solvent

solvent

[ sŏl′vənt ]

adj.

Capable of dissolving another substance.

n.

A substance in which another substance is dissolved, forming a solution.

A substance capable of dissolving another substance.

Science definitions for solvent

solvent

[ sŏl′vənt ]

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