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

“We need an infusion of sustainable funds to keep the company solvent.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

Many of them are quite gender fluid, and that’s great, but the heteronormative girls are interesting because they want to be financially solvent.

From Los Angeles Times

“Charming, kind. A straight, solvent creative professional. Do you know how rare this is?”

From The Wall Street Journal

Scientists and roughly 500 volunteers have used chisels, solvents and dental picks to dismantle 10 blocks so far, so who knows what else they might discover after Zed.

From The Wall Street Journal