What defines a solvent in chemical terms?

A solvent is defined as a liquid that has the ability to dissolve other substances, known as solutes, to form a solution. This fundamental characteristic allows solvents to facilitate various chemical reactions and processes, making them essential in fields such as chemistry, biology, and agriculture, including pesticide application. Solvents are often used to deliver active ingredients in liquid formulations, allowing for better distribution and effectiveness.

In contrast, the other options describe different characteristics of materials that do not align specifically with the definition of a solvent. While conductors relate to electrical properties, solids mixing with liquids or gases condensing into liquids are distinct physical phenomena that do not capture the essence of a solvent's primary role in dissolving substances.