solvent

1 of 2

adjective

sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt 

ˈsȯl-

1

: able to pay all legal debts

a solvent company

2

: that dissolves or can dissolve

solvent action of water

solvently adverb

solvent

2 of 2

noun

1

: a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances

2

: something that provides a solution

3

: something that eliminates or attenuates something especially unwanted

solventless

ˈsäl-vənt-ləs 

ˈsȯl-

adjective

Examples of solvent in a Sentence

Adjective

He couldn't stay solvent after losing his business.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Rising construction costs and natural disasters made the guarantee unsustainable, said Worters, while capping payouts helps insurers remain solvent and keep rates down. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026

By delaying payment to a vendor and extending the duration of an outstanding loan, the company was ultimately able to remain solvent. —Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025

Noun

Depending on the solvent, TISQ spontaneously organizes into nanoparticle-like J-type or nanofiber-like H-type aggregates, each with different electronic behaviors. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026

While Garavani focused on his craft, Giammetti’s acumen kept the Valentino brand solvent. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin solvent-, solvens, present participle of solvere to dissolve, pay

First Known Use

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for solvent

• insolvent
• resolvent

Kids Definition

solvent

1 of 2 adjective

sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt 

ˈsȯl-

: able to pay all legal debts

solvent

2 of 2 noun

: a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving one or more other substances

Medical Definition

solvent

1 of 2 adjective

sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt, ˈsȯl- 

: that dissolves or can dissolve

solvent fluids

solvent action of water

solvent

2 of 2 noun

: 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

Legal Definition

solvent

adjective

sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt 

: able to pay all legal debts as they become due