solvent
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solvent
A usually liquid substance that is able to dissolve other solid, liquid, or gaseous substances without chemically changing itself. The result is a homogeneous mixture known as a solution.
Zum Reinigen des Pinsels benötigen Sie ein spezielles Lösungsmittel, um die Ölfarbe zu entfernen.
To clean the brush, you need a special solvent to remove the oil paint.
The word is made up of 'Lösung' (solution, from 'auflösen' — to dissolve) and 'Mittel' (agent / means). So it is literally an agent used to dissolve something. The 's' is a linking sound that connects the two parts of the word.
Aceton ist ein bekanntes Lösungsmittel für Nagellack.
Acetone is a well-known solvent for nail polish.
'Lösungsmittel' (solvent) is a technical term from chemistry, but it is also used in everyday life in specific contexts such as renovation, crafts, or cleaning.
Tragen Sie beim Umgang mit diesem Lösungsmittel bitte Handschuhe.
Please wear gloves when handling this solvent.
The purpose of the solvent is often given with 'zum' + infinitive or 'für' + noun. It serves to remove or dissolve a particular substance.
Ich brauche ein Lösungsmittel zum Entfernen von Kleberesten.
I need a solvent for removing adhesive residue.
solution
'die Lösung' and 'das Lösungsmittel' are closely related in chemistry, but they do not mean the same thing. 'das Lösungsmittel' is the substance that can dissolve another substance, often a liquid such as water. 'die Lösung' is the result when the substance has been dissolved in the solvent. The words can easily be confused because they look similar and occur in the same process. Memory tip: The solvent makes dissolving possible; the solution is what forms afterward.
Wasser ist in diesem Versuch das Lösungsmittel für das Salz.
In this experiment, water is the solvent for the salt.
Die Lösung war klar, nachdem sich der Zucker vollständig im Wasser aufgelöst hatte.
The solution was clear after the sugar had completely dissolved in the water.