| amphiprotic solvent | A solvent capable of acting as an acid or a base; e.g., H2O. See: solvolysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| solvent | 1. <chemistry> Dissolving, effecting a solution. 2. A liquid that dissolves or that is capable of dissolving, the component of a solution that is present in greater amount. Origin: L. Solvens (18 Nov 1997) |
| solvent drag | The influence exerted by a flow of solvent through a membrane on the simultaneous movement of a solute through the membrane. (05 Mar 2000) |
| solvent ether | A fairly pure form of ether (C4H10O) but not sufficiently pure for anaesthesia; used as a solvent. (05 Mar 2000) |
| solvent extraction | A method of separation used to purify vegetable oils. (05 Dec 1998) |
| solvent inhalation | Inhalation of volatile organic solvents used in glue, nail polish remover, lacquer thinners, cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, and gasoline, for the purpose of self-intoxication. See: glue-sniffing. (05 Mar 2000) |
| universal solvent | A substance sought by the alchemists, and claimed by some to have been found, supposedly capable of dissolving all substances; sometimes, in a physiological sense, applied to water. (05 Mar 2000) |