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

Formation of protective layer A key outcome of using the DEDFP co-solvent is the formation of a stable protective layer on the surface of the zinc electrode. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025

King Henry’s laws adamantly forbade chattel slavery, outlawed colonialism, and created an economically robust, financially solvent Black state, one not dependent on the transatlantic slave trade. —Marlene L. Daut september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025

Noun

Once again, these are solvents that can damage the film on your screen. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025

Slow solvent evaporation causes particle clumping and pore collapse, weakening the precise structures required for efficient energy storage. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025

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