A solvent is simply a substance that can dissolve other molecules and compounds, which are known as solutes. A homogeneous mixture of solvent and solute is called a solution and much of life's chemistry takes place in aqueous solutions, or solutions with water as the solvent.

Water is the strongest solvent amongst others, It is also sometimes called the universal solvent as it can basically dissolve most of the substances than any other liquid. Water is a good solvent due to its polarity.