I. ˈsälvənt, ˈsȯl- adjective
Etymology: Latin solvent-, solvens, present participle of solvere to pay, dissolve
1. : able or sufficient to pay all legal debts
a solvent merchant
the estate is solvent
2. : that dissolves or can dissolve : producing a solution or homogeneous mixture
solvent fluids
the solvent action of water
solvent social influences
• sol·vent·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a substance capable of or used in dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances ; especially : a liquid component of a solution present in greater amount than the solute : menstruum 1
water is a good solvent for many salts, alcohol for many resins, and ether for fats
the best solvent for a material is usually related to it in chemical structure — P.O.Powers
— compare plasticizer , thinner
2. : something that provides a solution (as for a problem)
no solvent has been found for the industrial stagnation
3. : something that dissipates, disintegrates, or otherwise eliminates or attenuates something and especially something unwanted
ridicule is a solvent of prejudice