English Reference
adjective · noun

solvent

adj. · n.
US /ˈsɑɫvənt/ UK /sˈɒlvənt/ sol·vent UK spelling solvent's, solvent's

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    adj.having enough money to pay all your debts and bills on time.

    adj.possessing sufficient assets to meet all financial obligations and liabilities as they fall due.

    Simple

    The company worked hard to stay solvent during the economic crisis.

    In context

    The auditor confirmed that the firm remained solvent, though its liquidity was significantly tighter than in previous fiscal years.

    Usage

    Usually describes a business or a person's financial state.

    stablesoliddebt free
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    adj.having the power to dissolve another substance.

    adj.capable of dissolving another substance, typically a solute, to form a homogeneous solution.

    Simple

    The solvent properties of water make it essential for many chemical reactions.

    In context

    The researcher tested several solvent agents to determine which would most effectively break down the polymer coating without damaging the substrate.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.a liquid that is used to dissolve a solid or another liquid.

    n.a substance, usually a liquid, in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution.

    Simple

    You can use a special solvent to remove the old paint from the wood.

    In context

    Industrial solvents must be handled with extreme caution due to their high volatility and potential toxicity in poorly ventilated spaces.

    diluentthinner

The researchers examined molecules in the gas phase, where they were separated from outside influences such as solvents and surfaces.

ScienceDaily· 28 Jul 2026

Researchers have considered alternative amino acids, alternative solvents, and even entirely different chemical structures.

ScienceDaily· 24 Jun 2026

From French solvent, from Latin solventem, accusative singular of solvens, present participle of solvō. By surface analysis, solv(e) + -ent.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin solventem
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated