Solvent Meaning
/ˈsɒlvənt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA fluid that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution.
nounThat which resolves.
Sentence Examples
My responsibility is to keep the company solvent.
It's a solvent firm.
CEFR Practice Quiz
To clean the paintbrush, the artist dipped it in a strong ____ like turpentine.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Water is often referred to as the universal ____ because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.
Word Origin & History
From French solvent, from Latin solventem, accusative singular of solvens, present participle of solvō. By surface analysis, solv(e) + -ent.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer."
— 2013 July-August, Philip J. Bushnell, “Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance”, in American Scientist:
"Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident."
— 2013 July-August, Philip J. Bushnell, “Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance”, in American Scientist, archived from the original on 18 Jun 2017:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
To clean the paintbrush, the artist dipped it in a strong ____ like turpentine.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Water is often referred to as the universal ____ because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.