Definition of "diluent"

diluent

/ˈdɪljuənt/

noun
plural diluents
1. That which dilutes.
2. (analytical chemistry) A solvent or other liquid preparation used to dilute a sample prior to testing.
3. (medicine) An agent used for effecting dilution of the blood; a weak drink.
  Quotations
  But the case was pressing, and the nearest medical practitioner was sent for. On examining the throat, he expressed his desire that a physician should be called in, and accordingly a gentleman, duly authorized, made his appearance, and prescribed gargles and diluents secundem artem.
  1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXIV, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], pages 230-231
adjective
comparative more diluent, superlative most diluent
1. Diluting; making thinner or weaker by admixture, especially of water.
  Quotations
  there is no real Diluent but Water, every Fluid is diluent as it contains Water in it
  1731, John Arbuthnot, An Essay Concerning the Nature of Aliments, and the Choice of Them, According to the Different Constitutions of Human Bodies. […], 1st Irish edition, Dublin: […] S. Powell, for George Risk, […], George Ewing, […], and William Smith, […]