Definition of solvent

• a. - Having the power of dissolving; dissolving; as, a solvent fluid.
• a. - Able or sufficient to pay all just debts; as, a solvent merchant; the estate is solvent.
• n. - 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.
• n. - That which resolves; as, a solvent of mystery.