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Solvent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solvent

[หˆsษ’lvษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

A substance that dissolves a solute (a chemically different liquid, solid or gas), resulting in a solution. Solvents are commonly used in various industries, such as cleaning, painting, and pharmaceuticals.

Synonyms

cleaner, dissolvent, thinner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solvent

A substance, typically a liquid, capable of dissolving other substances. Often used in chemistry and industrial applications.

  • Water is a common solvent used to dissolve various salts
dissolvent

Another term for solvent, often used in scientific and technical contexts. It specifically refers to a substance that can dissolve another substance.

  • Acetone is a powerful dissolvent for many synthetic fibers
thinner

A solvent used to dilute or thin paints and varnishes. Commonly used in painting and decorating tasks.

  • Use a paint thinner to remove the old paint from the door
cleaner

A substance used for cleaning surfaces, objects, or areas. Frequently found in household and commercial cleaning products.

  • I bought a new cleaner for the kitchen floor

Examples of usage

  • The most commonly used solvent in households is water.
  • Acetone is a commonly used solvent in nail polish remover.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

A person or company that has the ability to pay its debts in the short term. Solvency is a key factor in assessing financial health and stability.

Synonyms

creditworthy, financially sound.

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Word Description / Examples
solvent

Used to describe an entity, such as a person or company, that can meet its long-term financial obligations.

  • The company is solvent and can repay its debts without issues.
  • Despite the economic downturn, the business remained solvent.
financially sound

Used to emphasize overall financial health and stability, often in a broader sense than just liquidity.

  • The organization is financially sound and has enough reserves for future projects.
  • A financially sound portfolio can withstand market volatility.
creditworthy

Used to highlight a person or entity's good standing with financial institutions, indicating a low risk of default on loans.

  • Banks consider you creditworthy if you have a high credit score.
  • The creditworthy client received a loan at a favorable interest rate.

Examples of usage

  • The company's strong financial performance indicated its status as a solvent business.
  • Investors look for solvent companies to minimize financial risk.
Context #3 | Adjective

chemistry

Capable of dissolving other substances. This property is crucial in various chemical processes and reactions.

Synonyms

dissolvent, dissolving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solvent

Since this is a repeat entry, the same context applies: used in chemistry for a substance that dissolves another and in business for financial stability.

  • In a chemical reaction, water often acts as a solvent
  • The company remained solvent despite the economic downturn
dissolving

This word is used as a process or action where one substance is absorbing into another. Itโ€™s often used to describe what happens when a solid becomes part of a liquid.

  • Salt is dissolving in water
  • The sugar was dissolving rapidly in the hot tea
dissolvent

This word is somewhat rare and is also used to describe a substance capable of dissolving another. It's essentially a synonym for a solvent but less commonly used.

  • Alcohol can be an effective dissolvent for organic substances
  • Scientists added a dissolvent to the mixture to observe the reaction

Examples of usage

  • Ethanol is a solvent liquid that can dissolve many organic compounds.
  • The chemist needed a solvent solution to mix the reagents.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Chemistry

  • Water is known as the universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.
  • In chemistry, solvents play a crucial role in reactions, affecting the speed and outcome of the process.

Environment

  • Many organic solvents are derived from petroleum and can contribute to air and water pollution.
  • Eco-friendly solvents, such as those derived from plant materials, are being developed to reduce environmental impact.

Business

  • In finance, the term 'solvent' describes a companyโ€™s ability to meet its long-term debts and obligations.
  • A solvent business is considered financially healthy, whereas an insolvent one may need restructuring or bankruptcy.

Art

  • In painting, solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits are used to dilute oils and clean brushes.
  • Artists must handle solvents responsibly as many can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Origin of 'solvent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'solvent' comes from the Latin 'solvere', meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve'.
  • In the 14th century, the term began to be used in English to refer specifically to liquids capable of dissolving substances.

The word 'solvent' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'solvฤ“re' meaning 'loosen' or 'dissolve'. It first appeared in English in the context of chemistry, referring to substances that dissolve other substances. Over time, the term expanded to also include the financial meaning of being able to meet financial obligations. Today, 'solvent' is widely used in both scientific and financial contexts.

See also: absolve, dissolve, dissolvent, insolvency, insolvent, solvability, solvable, solver, solving, unsolvable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,865, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.