solvent
A substance, usually a liquid, that is used to dissolve another substance to create a mixture. In science, it is the part of a solution that is present in the largest amount.
Examples
3 of 5Water is the most common solvent used in the kitchen.
Water is the most typical liquid used to dissolve things for cooking.
The technician must choose a suitable solvent for the chemical reaction.
The worker needs to pick the right liquid to dissolve the chemicals.
You can use this solvent to get the paint off your hands.
Use this liquid to clean the paint from your skin.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'SOLVE'. A solvent 'solves' the problem of a solid by turning it into a liquid.
Quick Quiz
When making salt water, the water acts as the ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: solvent
Examples
Water is the most common solvent used in the kitchen.
everydayWater is the most typical liquid used to dissolve things for cooking.
The technician must choose a suitable solvent for the chemical reaction.
formalThe worker needs to pick the right liquid to dissolve the chemicals.
You can use this solvent to get the paint off your hands.
informalUse this liquid to clean the paint from your skin.
The experiment requires an organic solvent to dissolve the lipids.
academicThe science test needs a special carbon-based liquid to break down fats.
We are looking for a cheaper solvent for our cleaning products.
businessOur company wants a less expensive liquid to use in our cleaners.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
universal solvent
water, because it dissolves so many substances
non-polar solvent
a liquid that does not have an electrical charge
solvent-based
made using a chemical liquid rather than water
Often Confused With
The solvent does the dissolving (like water), while the solute is the thing that gets dissolved (like salt).
A solution is the final mixture of the solvent and the solute combined.
Usage Notes
In science, 'solvent' is usually a noun referring to a liquid. In finance, it can be an adjective meaning a person or company has enough money to pay their debts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 'solvent' and 'solute'. Just remember that the solvent is usually the larger part of the mix (the liquid).
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'SOLVE'. A solvent 'solves' the problem of a solid by turning it into a liquid.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'solventem', which means 'loosening' or 'untying'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
When making salt water, the water acts as the ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: solvent
Related Vocabulary
More science words
oxygen
A1A gas with no color, taste, or smell that is necessary for all human and animal life. It makes up about 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere and is essential for the process of breathing.
hydrogen
A1Hydrogen is a chemical element that is the lightest and most common gas in the universe. It has no color or smell and combines with oxygen to make water (H2O).
nitrogen
A1Nitrogen is a colorless and odorless gas that makes up most of the Earth's atmosphere. It is a chemical element that is essential for all living things to grow, especially plants.
polymer
A1A polymer is a large molecule made of many smaller units that are connected in a long chain. These materials can be natural, like rubber or wood, or synthetic, like plastic and nylon.
prime number
A1A prime number is a whole number greater than 1 that cannot be made by multiplying other whole numbers. It can only be divided evenly by itself and the number 1.
ratio
A1A ratio is a way to compare two amounts of things. It shows how much of one thing there is compared to another thing, like 2 parts water to 1 part juice.
perimeter
A1The perimeter is the total distance around the outside edge of a shape or an area. In math and science, it is found by adding the lengths of all the sides of an object.
diameter
A1The diameter is the length of a straight line that goes through the center of a circle or a round object, connecting two points on its edge. It is the measurement that tells you how wide a circle or sphere is at its widest point.
radius
A1A radius is a straight line from the center of a circle to its outer edge. It is also used to describe the distance from a center point in any direction to mark an area.
circumference
A1The circumference is the distance around the outside edge of a circle or a round object. It is a measurement that tells you how long the boundary of a round shape is.
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