In chemistry, a solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution. Solvents are typically liquids, although they can also be gases or solids. The most common solvent is water, often called the "universal solvent" due to its ability to dissolve numerous substances. Solvents play a crucial role in chemical reactions, extractions, and various industrial applications, facilitating processes from pharmaceuticals to cleaning products. Understanding solvents is vital for effective experimentation and formulation in chemistry.