Sol"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.
© Webster 1913.
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 metal, etc.
2. That which resolves; as, a solvent of mystery.
© Webster 1913. | 
