What does solute mean?
A solute is a substance that has been dissolved in another substance, called the solvent, producing a solution. In a saltwater solution, for example, the salt is the solute and the water is the solvent. The solute is distributed throughout the solution as individual molecules or ions rather than remaining as a separate solid or layer. The term is especially useful when describing concentration, separation, crystallization, and the behavior of substances in chemical mixtures. It is also used in biology and medicine for dissolved substances in bodily fluids. Although “solute” is precise in scientific writing, “dissolved substance” is more understandable in general contexts. Keeping the distinction between a solute and a solvent clear is essential: the solute is the material being dissolved, while the solvent does the dissolving.
nounA substance that is dissolved in another substance, called the solvent, to form a solution. The solute is present as molecules or ions dispersed throughout the solvent.
- A substance dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.
"Salt is the solute in a solution of salt dissolved in water."
"The concentration of the solute increased as more salt was added."
"This method allows the solute to be separated from the solvent by evaporation."
The plural is used when referring to multiple dissolved substances or multiple quantities of a dissolved substance.
"The experiment compared the concentrations of several solutes in the samples."
A solute is the passenger in a chemical solution: it travels through the solvent rather than staying in one place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solute come from?
The word comes from the Latin past participle solutum, meaning “loosened” or “unbound,” from solvere, “to loosen” or “untie.” In chemical terminology, the term developed by analogy with “solvent,” referring to the substance that is unbound or dissolved. English borrowed the word through Latin and later specialized it to mean the substance dissolved in a solvent.
How solute is actually used
This is a technical term used primarily in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and related disciplines. In ordinary speech, “dissolved substance” is usually more accessible.
Easily confused with solute
A solute is the substance being dissolved, whereas a solvent is the substance in which it dissolves.