Dissolvent: meaning, definitions and examples

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dissolvent

 

[dɪˈzɒlvənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemical substance

A dissolvent is a substance that has the ability to dissolve other substances.

Synonyms

dissolver, solvent, thinner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolvent

A dissolvent is a substance that causes another material to dissolve, typically used in scientific or industrial settings.

  • The chemist used a dissolvent to break down the compound
solvent

Solvent is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts to refer to a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution. It's widely understood and used across various fields.

  • Water is known as a universal solvent because it can dissolve many substances
dissolver

A dissolver is often used in a more general sense and can refer to something that causes substances to dissolve, including in everyday situations.

  • The dissolver effectively cleared the clog in the drain
thinner

Thinner is often used in the context of painting and decorating, referring to a liquid that dilutes paint to make it easier to apply.

  • Use paint thinner to clean the brushes after painting

Examples of usage

  • The dissolvent was used to dissolve the solid particles in the solution.
  • The dissolvent is essential in the process of separating different components of a mixture.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

In legal terms, a dissolvent refers to a person or entity that dissolves or terminates an organization, partnership, or agreement.

Synonyms

dissolver, liquidator, terminator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolvent

Typically used in scientific or chemical contexts to refer to a substance capable of dissolving another substance.

  • Water is a common dissolvent for many salts
terminator

Has a more aggressive or destructive connotation, often referring to someone or something that brings an end to a process, object, or entity. Frequently used in science fiction and action genres.

  • In the movie, the terminator was programmed to eliminate any threats to its mission
dissolver

Can be used similarly to 'dissolvent' but may also refer to a person or thing that breaks down something non-chemical, like a problem or relationship.

  • The engineer acted as a problem solver and a dissolver of obstacles within the project
liquidator

Often used in business or legal contexts to describe someone appointed to wind up the affairs of a company, often during bankruptcy.

  • The liquidator was brought in to manage the company's assets and pay off creditors

Examples of usage

  • The dissolvent was responsible for ending the partnership between the two companies.
  • The dissolvent filed the necessary paperwork to dissolve the organization.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'dissolvere', which means 'to loosen or dissolve'.
  • In older texts, the word was often associated with both physical and metaphorical ideas of breaking down barriers.

Science

  • Dissolvents are often liquids, like water or alcohol, used to dissolve solids or gases for various purposes.
  • In pharmaceuticals, dissolvents are crucial for formulating medicines, ensuring active ingredients are effective when ingested.
  • Certain industrial processes, like painting or cleaning, utilize dissolvents to achieve desired results.

Environmental Impact

  • Some dissolvents can be harmful to the environment, prompting regulations on their use to protect natural habitats.
  • Biodegradable dissolvents are being developed to lessen environmental harm while maintaining effectiveness.

Cultural References

  • In art, dissolvents are sometimes used to create effects in painting, allowing artists to manipulate the texture and fluidity of materials.
  • In literature, the concept of a dissolvent can symbolize change or transformation within a story, representing the breaking down of old ideas.

Technological Applications

  • Dissolvents play a key role in chemical engineering, aiding in the production of new materials and substances.
  • The electronics industry often uses specific dissolvents to ensure precision in the assembly of components.

Translations

Translations of the word "dissolvent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dissolvente

🇮🇳 विलायक

🇩🇪 Lösungsmittel

🇮🇩 pelarut

🇺🇦 розчинник

🇵🇱 rozpuszczalnik

🇯🇵 溶剤

🇫🇷 dissolvant

🇪🇸 disolvente

🇹🇷 çözücü

🇰🇷 용매

🇸🇦 مذيب

🇨🇿 rozpouštědlo

🇸🇰 rozpúšťadlo

🇨🇳 溶剂

🇸🇮 topilo

🇮🇸 leysir

🇰🇿 еріткіш

🇬🇪 გამხსნელი

🇦🇿 həlledici

🇲🇽 disolvente