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.