what is a solute
noun , plural: solutes. (chemistry) 1. a component of a solution: in a solution, the dissolving substance is called a solvent whereas the dissolved substance is called a solute. 2. a substance (usually in lesser] amount) dissolved in another substance. A typical example of a solution is sugar dissolved in water: sugar is the solute and water is the solvent.
solute (solÂ´Å«t), n the dissolved (usually the less abundant) constituent of a solution. solute. the substance that is dissolved in a liquid (solvent) to form a solution. increase in the volume of urine excreted as a result of an increase in the glomerular filtrate of any osmotically active solute.