solvent

/ˈsɑlvənt/

/ˈsɒlvɪnt/

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
   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”

   synonyms: dissolvent, dissolver, dissolving agent, resolvent

   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
   synonyms: answer, resolution, result, solution

   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