Dictionary > Universal solvent

Universal solvent

Definition
noun
(1) A substance capable of dissolving all or a large variety of substances.
(2) An alkahest.
Supplement
Water is at times recognized as a universal solvent because of the many substances that it can dissolve. However, water is not capable of dissolving all substances, especially those that are nonpolar or hydrophobic in nature.
Synonym: alkahest
See also: water


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