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solvent

adjective

  1. substance that dissolves a solute (a chemically different liquid, solid or gas), resulting in a solution
L340588 on Wikidata ↗

noun

  1. substance that dissolves other substances
L42448 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈsɒlvənt/ / /ˈsɔlvənt/ / /ˈsɑlvənt/

adj

Etymology: From French solvent, from Latin solventem, accusative singular of solvens, present participle of solvō. By surface analysis, solv(e) + -ent.

  1. Able to pay all debts as they become due, and having no more liabilities than assets.

    “Near-synonyms: above water, in the black”

  2. Having the power of dissolving; causing solution.

    “Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident.”

noun

Etymology: From French solvent, from Latin solventem, accusative singular of solvens, present participle of solvō. By surface analysis, solv(e) + -ent.

  1. A fluid that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution.

    “Holonym: solution”

    “Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer.”

  2. That which resolves.

    “It explains. And explanation is the true solvent of mystery.”