solute

comparative more solute · superlative most solute

1. Free; liberal; loose.

   a solute interpretation

   1 more example

   The Interpretations of the Scriptures are of two ſorts: Methodical, and Solute, or at large, […]

   1605, Francis Bacon, “The Second Booke”, in The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Aduancement of Learning, Diuine and Humane, London: […] [Thomas Purfoot and Thomas Creede] for Henrie Tomes, […], →OCLC, folio 112, verso

2. Relaxed; hence, cheerful, merry.

   So ſung Philander, as his Friend went round / In the rich Ichor, in the gen'rous Blood / Of Bacchus, purple God of joyous Wit, / A Brow ſolute, and ever-laughing Eye.

   1742, [Edward Young], “Night the Second. On Time, Death, Friendship. […]”, in The Complaint: Or, Night-Thoughts on Life, Death, & Immortality, London: […] [Samuel Richardson] for A[ndrew] Millar […], and R[obert] Dodsley […], published 1750, →OCLC, page 44

   Synonyms: easygoing, laid-back, airy, at ease, at peace, carefree, careless, casual

3. Able to be dissolved; soluble.

   a solute salt

4. biologyNot adhering; loose.

   a solute stipule

   Antonyms: adnate

plural solutes

1. Any substance that is dissolved in a liquid solvent to create a solution.

   Holonym: solution

   Antonyms: solvent, dissolver

present singular third person solutes · participle present soluting · participle past soluted · past soluted

1. obsoleteTo dissolve.

   In the present day they hold out that the metallic calces are soluted in acids, accordingly as they possess oxygen.

   1819, Robert Harrington, An elucidation and extension of the Harringtonian System of Chemistry, page 99

   3 more examples

   In summer, the action of the air as a menstruum, is rendered so powerful by the increase of heat, that water is immediately and intimately combined with it: for when the particles of water are influenced by heat, and acted upon by a dry, warm air, they easilty rise therein, and become soluted in the atmosphere.

   1794, William Amos, The Theory and Practice of the Drill-Husbandry, Etc, page 35

   Porter, in old times, was brewed only with brown malts; from the hardness of which, and the fire they contained, Thames water seems better adapted than any other to solute the saccharine substance of those malts.

   1822, John Tuck, The Private Brewer's Guide to the Art of Brewing Ale and Porter, page 69

   The difference between burnt and unburnt brick is simply this : the one becomes soluted the moment it comes in contact with water, and the other admits the moisture without becoming dissolved.

   1843, United States. Patent Office, Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents, page 239

2. obsoleteTo solve; to expose the errors of; to explain

   to solute sin

   4 more examples

   Because ye desire your argument to be soluted, at your own request I will take some paine: God grant it may profit!

   1560, John Knox, On Predestination in Answer to the Cavillations by an Anabaptist

   If thys argument be not good reproue it in your answere and solute it not withe a fyre or a rope as ye vse comunly to do God send yow hys holy sprete.

   1568, William Turner, The Huntyng and Fynding Out of the Romish Fox

   The first Argument of them, which abuse God's Holy Predestination, is easily soluted.

   1648, J. G. (believed to be John Goodwin), The Errours of the Carelesse by Necessitie Confuted

   The places and arguments which are brought against him are soluted with the same solutions that they use which maintain the papacy.

   1852, John Whitgift, edited by John Ayre, The Works of John Whitgift, D.D., Master of Trinity College, page 195

present singular third person solutes · participle present soluting · participle past soluted · past soluted

1. alternativeobsoleteAlternative form of salute.

   The minstrel advanced, and soluted the company with the air of one more accustomed to grant protection than crave it.

   1840, The Fortress, an Historical Tale of the Fifteenth Century, page 92

   3 more examples

   To whom Ledovick the Emperour, descending from his Horse, fell down upon the Earth thrice before his feete, and the third time soluted him thus, blessed be the Lord God, who commeth in the Name of the Lord, and who hath shined upon us.

   1644, Samuel Rutherford, The Due Right of Presbyteries, page 223

   but yet nothing of danger visible, when in the midst of this his fear and languishing, he was by one of the Secretaries, who knew nothing of the design, called into the Kings Privy Chamber, whereupon, having soluted each of the company, as if he took his last farewell of them, going directly thither, he was no sooner entred, but the dore was boulted, and one of those who were appointed for the business, struck a dagger through his throat downward into his breast, whereby his mouth was presently filled with bloud, and stopped, that he could not speak, but only fetch so deep a groan as was heard with horror by those who stood by.

   1676, Jacques-Auguste de Thou, The Histories of the Gunpowder-Treason and the Massacre at Paris, page 30

   Here was the antient and much-famed oracle so difficult and dangerous of access through the Libyan Deserts, consulted by Alexander the Great, who, by the flattery of the priests, was soluted as the son of Jupiter, and whose head, on some of his medals, bears a ram's horn in token of this descent.

   1847, Samuel Butler, Geographia Classica, page 200