What term describes a substance capable of dissolving another substance?

The term that describes a substance capable of dissolving another substance is referred to as a solvent. In the context of a solution, the solvent is the component that is present in the greatest amount, and it facilitates the process of dissolving the solute, which is the substance being dissolved. For example, when table salt is added to water, water acts as the solvent because it dissolves the salt, creating a saline solution.

Understanding the role of the solvent is crucial in many scientific applications, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It is also important for practical applications, such as in formulating solutions used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cooking, and cleaning products.

The other terms in the options serve different purposes in this context; for example, the solute is the substance that gets dissolved, a solution is the homogeneous mixture formed by the solvent and solute, and solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent under specific conditions. These distinctions highlight the unique role of the solvent in the dissolution process.