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

• solvents
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• solventless
  adjective
• solvently
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• solvents
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of solvent

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

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Explanation

Solvent’s meaning changes pretty drastically depending on its part of speech. As a noun, solvent is either a certain kind of chemical or an idea that solves a problem. As an adjective, solvent describes someone who's got cash on hand. A solvent dissolves other chemicals, which is why it's also easy to remember: solvent is a chemical used to dissolve other chemicals. The adjective solvent, on the other hand, comes from a French verb that means "loosen." During tough economic times, only those banks that are solvent are in a position to loosen the cash flow and start lending money. No cash? You're not solvent.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

solvent solvents

"While this was an experiment-driven discovery, our theoretical work provided the molecular-level interpretation needed to translate the X-ray measurements into a detailed picture of the underlying coordination between proton, electron and solvent motion."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

Another makes acetic anhydride, a key ingredient of aspirin, and the third makes ethyl acetate, which is used as a solvent and for decaffeinating tea and coffee.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

The bipartisan 1983 effort made the system solvent for half a century, largely thanks to a strong economy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

Paramount was struggling to remain solvent prior to the Ellison family’s purchase of the media company last year.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

Yes, it was a genuine draft from a solvent Montreal bank.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

But fabrication and assembly plant workers can face exposure to solvents, acids, toxic metals and chemical gases, according to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

However, liquid systems often require toxic solvents and may evaporate over time, limiting their practicality.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026

The list of potential contaminants from the 'fire practice pond' include petrol, oil, lubricants, solvents and firefighting chemicals - which were "drained into storm water drainage."

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

Sakuu’s process, under development for years, uses additive manufacturing to lay down key battery components without solvents, eliminating the need for ovens, says Niestroj.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

From the practical rather than the medical standpoint this distinction is of little importance, however, because these petroleum solvents are an inseparable part of most common spraying practices.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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