Dissolver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissolver

[dɪˈzɒlvə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To dissolve a substance into a liquid or gas.

Synonyms

dissipate, liquefy, melt.

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Word Description / Examples
dissolver

Generally used less frequently, it can refer to something that causes a solid to become part of a liquid. Similar to dissolver but not standard.

  • She added the sugar dissolver to her coffee
melt

Used when solid substances turn into liquid due to heat. Commonly used in everyday situations, especially with food or materials like ice and metals.

  • The ice cream started to melt in the hot sun
  • She watched the candle wax melt as the flame burned
liquefy

Best used when talking about turning a solid or a gas into a liquid state, usually through the application of heat, pressure, or chemical action.

  • The scientists were able to liquefy the gas by lowering its temperature
  • To cook the recipe, you need to liquefy the chocolate
dissipate

Appropriate for describing things that spread out or disappear gradually, such as smoke, energy, or heat. Often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The fog began to dissipate as the sun rose
  • His anger dissipated after hearing the good news

Examples of usage

  • The sugar dissolves in water to make a sweet solution.
  • He used acid to dissolve the metal.
  • The medication is designed to dissolve quickly in the stomach.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, a solute is the substance that gets dissolved, while the solvent is the one that does the dissolving.
  • Common examples include sugar dissolving in tea or salt in water – these mixtures are called solutions.
  • Temperature affects the rate at which dissolving happens – usually, warmer liquids dissolve substances faster.

Everyday Examples

  • Household products like dish soap act as dissolvers, breaking down grease and food particles in water.
  • Many medicines come in powdered form that dissolve in liquids, making them easier to take.
  • Coffee granules dissolve in hot water to create the drink we all enjoy in the morning.

Cultural Impact

  • In cooking, understanding which ingredients dissolve well in liquids can enhance flavors and textures in dishes.
  • The concept of dissolving plays a crucial role in environmental science, especially regarding how pollutants spread in water bodies.
  • Art techniques use dissolvers like watercolors, where pigments mix with water to create beautiful, flowing designs.

Psychology

  • The idea of 'dissolving' can also relate to emotional processes, such as letting go of negative feelings.
  • Therapeutic techniques often involve finding ways to 'dissolve' stress and anxiety through mindfulness and relaxation.
  • The metaphor of dissolving problems suggests taking steps to lessen their impact, much like how solids break down in liquids.

Origin of 'dissolver'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dissolvere,' which means to unfasten or loosen.
  • It combines 'dis-' (apart) and 'solvere' (to loosen), indicating the action of breaking something down.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe processes involving liquids.

The word 'dissolver' originates from the Latin word 'dissolvere', which means 'to break up, loosen'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century, primarily in the context of chemistry and dissolution of substances.


See also: dissolubility, dissoluble, dissolute, dissolution, dissolvability, dissolvable, dissolvableness, dissolving, indissoluble, undissolvable.