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noun

solvent

SOL-vuhnt
noun
1
A liquid that dissolves another substance to form a solution.
"Nail polish remover contains a solvent that breaks down the polish."
adjective
1
Financially sound, with enough assets to cover all debts.
"The company remained solvent throughout the recession."

How to Use Solvent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical that dissolves things, or — for a business or person — having enough money to pay what you owe.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the financial sense (able to pay debts) with the chemistry sense (a dissolving liquid) — the word means quite different things depending on context.

Common pairings
a strong solvent remain solvent financially solvent

Word Forms

solvents plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Nail polish remover contains a _____ that breaks down the polish.

Etymology

From Latin solvēns, "dissolving, loosening", present participle of solvō.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial