soluble

adjective

sol·​u·​ble ˈsäl-yə-bəl 

1

: susceptible of being dissolved in or as if in a liquid and especially water

2

: subject to being solved or explained

soluble questions

Did you know?

Soluble looks like a word that should be confined to chemistry labs, though it's often used by nonchemists as well to describe substances that can be dissolved in liquids. On the other hand, the sense of soluble meaning "solvable" is also quite common. In this sense, soluble, like its opposite, insoluble, is usually paired with problem. If only all life's problems were soluble by stirring them in a container filled with water.

Synonyms

• answerable
• explainable
• explicable
• resolvable
• solvable

Examples of soluble in a Sentence

Sugar is soluble in water.

one murder case that proved to be soluble after all

Recent Examples on the Web

These foods offer prebiotic (or soluble) fiber that healthy gut bacteria consume. —Christina Manian, Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Beta-glucans are the soluble fiber in oats that help improve blood glucose, keep you full and boost the good bacteria in your gut. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 7 Dec. 2024

Green beans' chlorophyll, soluble fiber, resistant starch, and phenolic compounds may offer cancer protection. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2024

When prepared properly, this winter vegetable becomes a blank canvas for a variety of sauces, add-ins and topping Low-calorie, low-carb spaghetti squash is crammed with essential vitamins and minerals, powerful antioxidants and heart-healthy soluble fiber. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, digestible, laxative, from Late Latin solubilis, from Latin solvere to loosen, dissolve — more at solve

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

soluble

adjective

sol·​u·​ble ˈsäl-yə-bəl 

1

: capable of being dissolved in a liquid

sugar is soluble in water

2

: capable of being solved or explained : solvable

a soluble problem

Medical Definition

soluble

adjective

sol·​u·​ble ˈsäl-yə-bəl 

1

: susceptible of being dissolved in or as if in a fluid

2

: capable of being emulsified

a soluble oil