universal solvent
The term "universal solvent" often refers to water due to its capability to dissolve many substances, though it can also refer to a hypothetical substance in alchemy.
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Definition
B2Chemistry
(informal)A liquid, especially water, known for its ability to dissolve many different substances.
Example
- Water is often called the universal solvent because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.
C1Alchemy
(technical, historical)A theorized substance believed to be capable of dissolving any other material.
Example
- The alchemists searched for the universal solvent, which they called alkahest.