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definitions

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.

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RELATED WORDS

solid, firm, fit, stable

Nearby words

  1. solvay,
  2. solvay process,
  3. solvay, ernest,
  4. solve,
  5. solvency,
  6. solvent abuse,
  7. solvently,
  8. solvitur ambulando,
  9. solvolysis,
  10. solvolytic

Origin of solvent

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

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 Formssolvently, 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
Word Origin and History for solvent
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.