noun

solvent

solvent

Water is a universal solvent.

Water is a universal solvent.

Use a solvent to remove the paint.

Use a solvent to remove the paint.

a ((adjective)) solvent a (type of) solvent Water is a universal solvent.

a solvent for ((sth.)) a solvent for (a substance) We need a solvent for the glue.

Synonyms: dissolver, thinner

From Latin 'solvens', present participle of 'solvere' meaning 'to loosen, dissolve'.

Think of a 'solvent' as a liquid that helps to 'solve' the problem of a substance being stuck by dissolving it.

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