Definition of "dissolvent"

dissolvent

adjective
comparative more dissolvent, superlative most dissolvent
1. Capable of dissolution into a fluid.
2. Having power to dissolve a solid body.
  Quotations
  the dissolvent juices [of the stomach]
  1691, John Ray, The Wisdom of God Manifested in the Works of the Creation. […], London: […] Samuel Smith, […]
  [T]he operator evidently perceives the dissolvent property of the jaggery water, on its being tempered with the prepared mortar.
  1834, Rám Ráz, Essay on the Architecture of the Hindús, London: […] [F]or the Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland; by John William Parker, […], page 64
noun
plural dissolvents
1. A substance which can dissolve or be dissolved into a liquid.
  Quotations
  For, that the ordure, which continually gathers on the skin, would ſoon ſtop the pores of it, if the ſweat were not furniſht with ſome efficacious diſſolvent to open and pierce them.
  1669 August 26, “[An Accompt of Some Books.] III. Ottonis Tachenii Hippocrates Chymicus. Venetiis in 12º.”, in Philosophical Transactions: Giving Some Accompt of the Present Undertakings, Studies and Labours of the Ingenious in Many Considerable Parts of the World, volume IV, number 50, London: Printed by T. N. for John Martyn […] , printer to the Royal Society, published 1670, pages 1019–1020