Sol"vent (sŏl"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.
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 metals, etc.
2. That which resolves; as, a solvent
of mystery.