solvent

[ sol-vuh nt ]
/ ˈsɒl vənt /

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.

Origin of solvent

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

OTHER WORDS FROM solvent

sol·vent·less, adjective sol·vent·ly, adverb

Example sentences 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 substance water 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 excess Compare solute
something that solves

Derived forms of solvent

solvently, adverb

Word Origin for solvent

C17: from Latin solvēns releasing, from solvere to free, solve

Medical definitions for solvent

solvent
[ sŏlvənt ]

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.

Scientific definitions for solvent

solvent
[ sŏlvənt ]

A substance that can dissolve another substance, or in which another substance is dissolved, forming a solution. Water is the most common solvent.