From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Solvent \Sol"vent\ (s[o^]l"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. [1913 Webster]
2. Able or sufficient to pay all just debts; as, a solvent merchant; the estate is solvent. [1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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. [1913 Webster]
2. That which resolves; as, a solvent of mystery. [1913 Webster]