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Solvent: meaning, definitions and examples

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solvent

 

[ˈsɒlvənt ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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. It’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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 company’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "solvent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 solvente

🇮🇳 द्रावक

🇩🇪 Lösungsmittel

🇮🇩 pelarut

🇺🇦 розчинник

🇵🇱 rozpuszczalnik

🇯🇵 溶媒 (ようばい)

🇫🇷 solvant

🇪🇸 disolvente

🇹🇷 çözücü

🇰🇷 용매 (yongmae)

🇸🇦 مذيب

🇨🇿 rozpouštědlo

🇸🇰 rozpúšťadlo

🇨🇳 溶剂 (róngjì)

🇸🇮 topilo

🇮🇸 leysir

🇰🇿 еріткіш

🇬🇪 გამხსნელი

🇦🇿 həlledici

🇲🇽 disolvente

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.