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

The team found that discarded Teflon can be broken apart and reused with only sodium metal and mechanical movement by shaking -- all at room temperature and without toxic solvents.

From Science Daily

Methanol helps prevent freezing and the accumulation of solid hydrates that can plug gas-compression equipment and limit pipeline flow, and it acts as a solvent and corrosion inhibitor.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Sadly, with no solvent options available, the directors then took the difficult decision to file for the appointment of administrators."

From BBC

Semiconductor facilities in particular have been associated with groundwater contamination from chemical solvents, with Silicon Valley’s Santa Clara County home to 23 active Superfund sites — more than any other county in the country.

From Los Angeles Times

On Fox, Johnson invoked another GOP shibboleth, which is that rooting out fraud, waste and abuse would help keep Medicaid solvent.

From Los Angeles Times