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

Proponents say charitable gambling keeps nonprofits solvent and lets them expand their missions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

The problem was reported on Friday after locals experiencing a strong solvent taste in their water and in the air outside.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

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 • Feb. 13, 2026

When the time came, it was the “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” starring John Turturro as a sleight-of-hand artist struggling to stay solvent when fewer marks carry cash.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

The spray was a 25 per cent DDT concentrate suspended in a solvent containing methylated naphthalenes.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson