solvent

UK: ˈsɒlvənt | US: ˈsɑːlvənt

Definition

  1. n. a substance capable of dissolving another substance

  2. adj. 1. able to dissolve other substances

  3. adj. 2. financially sound; able to pay debts

Structure
solv <loosen, dissolve (from Latin *solvere*)>ent <adjective/noun suffix (from Latin *-entem*)>
Etymology

The word "solvent" traces back to Latin solvere ("to loosen, dissolve, release"), which also gave rise to words like "solve" and "dissolve." The suffix -ent indicates agency or state, forming adjectives or nouns (e.g., "different," "student"). Originally used in chemistry to describe a dissolving agent (1600s), its financial sense ("able to pay debts") emerged by the 1700s, metaphorically extending the idea of "releasing" obligations.

Examples

  1. Water is a universal solvent for many chemical compounds.

  2. The company remained solvent despite economic downturns.

  3. Acetone is a common solvent used in nail polish remover.

  4. Only solvent businesses can secure long-term loans.

  5. The chemist tested the solvent’s effectiveness on the residue.