noun / adjective
solvent
SOL-vunt/ˈsɑːlvənt/
A substance that dissolves another substance, or having that ability.
The solvent on the rag dissolves paint from the brush.
Etymology
Solvere means “to loosen or release,” so the participle describes something that loosens. In chemistry, this became a substance that dissolves another substance.
In context
there’s another liquid out there that can dissolve more substances than perhaps anything else on Earth: water, which is sometimes called the “universal solvent.”
More examples
- Use the recommended solvent to remove the dried paint.
- Some solvents give off fumes that can make you dizzy.
- The solvent action of water helps dissolve the salt.
Forms
solvent · solvents
Similar words
- thinner
- A solvent specifically used to make paint or coatings flow.