Solvent Definition in Chemistry

Pouring liquid from a beaker
Sometimes water is called the universal solvent.

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on October 07, 2019

A solvent is the component of a solution that is present in the greatest amount. It is the substance in which the solute is dissolved. Usually, a solvent is a liquid. However, it can be a gas, solid, or supercritical fluid. The amount of solvent required to dissolve a solute depends on temperature and the presence of other substances in a sample. The word "solvent" comes from the Latin solvō, which means to loosen or untie.

Examples of Solvents

  • The solvent for seawater is water.
  • The solvent for air is nitrogen.

Source

  • Tinoco, I.; Sauer, K.; Wang, J.C. (2002). Physical Chemistry. Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-026607-1.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Solvent Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-solvent-604651. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Solvent Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-solvent-604651 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Solvent Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-solvent-604651 (accessed June 10, 2023).
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