B2nounscienceenvironment
US/ˈsɑːl.vənt/
UK/ˈsɒl.vənt/
a liquid that can dissolve another substance, such as paint, oil or glue
In context
Use a mild solvent to remove the paint from your brushes.
Water is the most common solvent in nature.
Workers must wear masks because the solvents in this glue are toxic.
Words that go with solvent
adjective + noun
- organic solventMany organic solvents evaporate quickly at room temperature.
- industrial solventThe river was polluted with industrial solvents from nearby factories.
- chemical solventDry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water.
- toxic solventSome cheap paints still contain toxic solvents.
- universal solventWater is often called the universal solvent.
noun + noun
- solvent abuseSolvent abuse, such as sniffing glue, can seriously damage the brain.