solvent

Etymology

From French solvent, from Latin solventem, accusative singular of solvens, present participle of solvō. Equivalent to solve + -ent.

noun

1. A fluid that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution.
   Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer. 2013 July-August, Philip J. Bushnell, “Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance”, in American Scientist
2. That which resolves.
   It explains. And explanation is the true solvent of mystery. Anglo American Trade (volume 2? volume 17? page 270)

adj

1. (finance) Able to pay all debts as they become due, and having no more liabilities than assets.
2. Having the power of dissolving; causing solution.
   Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident. 2013 July-August, Philip J. Bushnell, “Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance”, in American Scientist, archived from the original on 2017-06-18