Sol"vent , n.
(Chem.) A substance (usually liquid)
suitable for, or employed in, solution, or in dissolving something; as, water is the
appropriate solvent of most salts, alcohol of resins, ether of fats, and mercury or acids of metals, etc.
2. That which resolves; as, a solvent of mystery.
Sol"vent (s&obreve;l"vent), a. [L. solvens, p. pr. of solvere. See Solvable.]
1. Having the power of
dissolving; dissolving; as, a solvent fluid. "The solvent body."
Boyle.
2. Able or sufficient to pay all just debts; as, a
solvent merchant;
the estate is solvent.
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