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

People in Killin had reported a solvent taste and smell to their water supply on Friday morning.

From BBC

Studios capture much of each ticket’s revenue—especially early in a movie’s run—but concessions deliver the profits that keep theaters solvent.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the researchers, industrial extraction relies on mechanical pressing rather than chemical solvents.

From Science Daily

Meanwhile, many local broadcasters are gasping to stay solvent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its appearance, mechanical behavior, surface texture, and ability to change shape can all be adjusted when the material is exposed to external triggers such as heat, solvents, or physical stress.

From Science Daily