Solv"a*ble*ness (?), n. Quality of being solvable.
Solve (slv), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Solved (slvd); p. pr. & vb. n.
Solving.] [L. solvere, solutum; from a prefix so- expressing separation
(cf. Sober) + luere to loosen; cf. OF. soldre, soudre. See Loose, and
cf. Absolve.] To explain; to resolve; to unfold; to clear up (what is
obscure or difficult to be understood); to work out to a result or
conclusion; as, to solve a doubt; to solve difficulties; to solve a
problem.
True piety would effectually solve such scruples.
South.
God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.
Tickell.
Syn. -- To explain; resolve; unfold; clear up.
Solve, n. A solution; an explanation. [Obs.] Shak.
Sol"ven*cy (sl"ven*s), n. [See Solvent.] The quality or state of being
solvent.
Sol"vend (sl"vnd), n. [L. solvendus to be loosened or dissolved, fr.
solvere. See Solution.] A substance to be dissolved. [R.]
Sol"vent (sl"vent), a. [L. solvens, p. pr. of solvere. See Solvable.]
1. Having the power of dissolving; dissolving; as, a solvent fluid.
"The solvent body." Boyle.
2. Able or sufficient to pay all just debts; as, a solvent merchant;
the estate is solvent.
Sol"vent, n. (Chem.) A substance (usually liquid) suitable for, or
employed in, solution, or in dissolving something; as, water is the
appropriate solvent of most salts, alcohol of resins, ether of fats,
and mercury or acids of metals, etc.