a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances
"the solvent does not change its state in forming a solution"
a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
"they were trying to find a peaceful solution"
"the answers were in the back of the book"
"he computed the result to four decimal places"
A fluid that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution.
"Acetone acts as an effective solvent when used to dissolve nail polish remover into a clear liquid mixture."
In plain English: A solvent is a liquid that dissolves other substances to make them disappear into it.
"The business went bankrupt because the owner had no liquid assets to pay his debts."
Usage: As a noun, solvent refers specifically to the substance used to dissolve another material into a solution. Do not confuse this chemical definition with the adjective form describing someone who can pay their debts.
capable of meeting financial obligations
"The company remained solvent despite facing several unexpected expenses last quarter."
Able to pay all debts as they become due, and having no more liabilities than assets.
"The company is considered solvent because its liquid assets are sufficient to cover all outstanding debts immediately."
In plain English: A solvent is something that can dissolve other substances to make them mix into a liquid solution.
"The company was solvent after its successful merger and paid off all debts in full."
The word entered English from the Old French solvent, originally meaning "dissolving" or "able to dissolve." While it looks like a combination of solv and -ent, its history traces back directly to the Latin present participle solvens.