Dissolvent: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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