universal solvent
- noun
- /ˌjunɪˈvɜrsəl ˈsɒlvənt/
:
disolvente universal
- Medieval alchemists spent centuries in pursuit of the universal solvent.
Examples
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The concept of a universal solvent is more a philosophical curiosity than a scientific possibility.
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If a universal solvent truly existed, it would be impossible to contain it in any vessel.
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Water is often referred to as a universal solvent.
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Many scientists believe that a true universal solvent does not exist.
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Water is often called a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.
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Chemists refer to water as a universal solvent due to its ability to dissolve many ionic and molecular compounds.
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Many substances are soluble in water, which is why it is described as a universal solvent.
Synonyms
A supposed liquid that can dissolve any material
A liquid people long ago believed could dissolve anything
How Effective
- Specialized
33
4.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a solvent that can dissolve all substances' is directly and predictably formed from 'universal' (applying in all cases) + 'solvent' (a dissolving liquid). This follows ordinary adjective+noun composition and even if the referent is hypothetical (alchemical), a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the intended sense.
Etymology
Universal solvent comes from old alchemists who imagined a special liquid that could dissolve everything. A solvent is a liquid that 'dissolves' materials and universal means 'for all things', so the image of a liquid that would eat any container explains why the phrase means a substance able to dissolve all other substances.