What term describes a substance that dissolves in a liquid, forming a solution?

The term that describes a substance that dissolves in a liquid to form a solution is "solute." In the context of a solution, the solute is the component that is being dissolved, while the solvent is the liquid, typically present in greater quantity, that facilitates the dissolution process. For example, when table salt is mixed with water, the salt acts as the solute, dissolving to form a saline solution.

Understanding the role of the solute is essential in various scientific applications, such as chemistry and biology, where solutions play a crucial role in reactions and processes. The concept of solubility, which describes how well a substance can dissolve in a solvent, is also fundamental to studying chemical behavior and interactions in solutions.