In a solution, what is the term for the substance that is dissolved?

The term for the substance that is dissolved in a solution is indeed solute. In a solution, the solute is the component that is present in a lesser amount compared to the solvent, which is the substance that does the dissolving. For example, in a saltwater solution, salt is the solute that dissolves in the water, the solvent. This relationship is critical in understanding how solutions form and behave. Solutes can exist in various states such as solids, liquids, or gases, and they mix evenly with the solvent at the molecular level. Understanding the role of solutes is fundamental in fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science as it relates to how substances interact and create solutions.