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solvent

/ˈsɑlvənt/
/ˈsɒlvɪnt/
IPA guide

Other forms: solvents; solvently

Solvent’s meaning changes pretty drastically depending on its part of speech. As a noun, solvent is either a certain kind of chemical or an idea that solves a problem. As an adjective, solvent describes someone who's got cash on hand.

A solvent dissolves other chemicals, which is why it's also easy to remember: solvent is a chemical used to dissolve other chemicals. The adjective solvent, on the other hand, comes from a French verb that means "loosen." During tough economic times, only those banks that are solvent are in a position to loosen the cash flow and start lending money. No cash? You're not solvent.

Definitions of solvent
  1. adjective
    capable of meeting financial obligations
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    antonyms:
    insolvent
    unable to meet or discharge financial obligations
    bankrupt, belly-up
    financially ruined
  2. noun
    a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances
    “the solvent does not change its state in forming a solution”
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    types:
    acetone, dimethyl ketone, propanone
    the simplest ketone; a highly inflammable liquid widely used as an organic solvent and as material for making plastics
    chlorobenzene
    a colorless volatile flammable liquid with an almond odor that is made from chlorine and benzene; used as a solvent and in the production of phenol and DDT and other organic compounds
    carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenol, phenylic acid
    a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally
    carbon tet, carbon tetrachloride, perchloromethane, tetrachloromethane
    a colorless nonflammable liquid used as a solvent for fats and oils; because of its toxicity its use as a cleaning fluid or fire extinguisher has declined
    hexane
    a colorless flammable liquid alkane derived from petroleum and used as a solvent
    menstruum
    (archaic) a solvent
    naphtha
    any of various volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures; used chiefly as solvents
    remover
    a solvent that removes a substance (usually from a surface)
    alcahest, alkahest, universal solvent
    hypothetical universal solvent once sought by alchemists
    methylbenzene, toluene
    a colorless flammable liquid obtained from petroleum or coal tar; used as a solvent for gums and lacquers and in high-octane fuels
    xylene, xylol
    a colorless flammable volatile liquid hydrocarbon used as a solvent
    type of:
    medium
    an intervening substance through which something is achieved
  3. noun
    a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
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    types:
    denouement, resolution
    the final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work
    type of:
    statement
    a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘solvent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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