Solvent Definition in Chemistry

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 solvÃ… , 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.