solvent

1 of 2

adjective

sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt How to pronounce solvent (audio)
ˈsȯl-
1
: able to pay all legal debts
a solvent company
2
: that dissolves or can dissolve
solvent action of water
solvently adverb

solvent

2 of 2

noun

1
: a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances
2
: something that provides a solution
3
: something that eliminates or attenuates something especially unwanted
solventless adjective

Examples of solvent in a Sentence

Adjective He couldn't stay solvent after losing his business.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
At least 120,000 oil and gas wells across the US have been abandoned by their original owners and lack financially solvent operators. John Kostyack, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Under current law, the program is expected to be solvent through 2098, and to begin to pay out benefits starting in July 2026, per state officials. Melissa Santos, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024
Noun
Some brands, like Bose, recommend using rubbing alcohol on the plastic exterior; others, like Sony, say solvents can wear down headphone materials. Julia Ries, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024 These chemicals have several crucial uses, including water treatment processes, plastics, solvents, paper, pesticides, cleaning products, and de-icing products. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for solvent 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin solvent-, solvens, present participle of solvere to dissolve, pay

First Known Use

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solvent was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near solvent

Cite this Entry

“Solvent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solvent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

solvent

1 of 2 adjective
sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt How to pronounce solvent (audio)
ˈsȯl-
: able to pay all legal debts

solvent

2 of 2 noun
: a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving one or more other substances

Medical Definition

solvent

1 of 2 adjective
: that dissolves or can dissolve
solvent fluids
solvent action of water

solvent

2 of 2 noun
: a substance capable of or used in dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances
especially : a liquid component of a solution present in greater amount than the solute

Legal Definition

solvent

adjective
sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt How to pronounce solvent (audio)
: able to pay all legal debts as they become due
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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