In a solution, water is the solvent. This means it's the substance that dissolves the other substance, called the solute.

Here's a breakdown:

* Solution: A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.

* Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute. It's usually present in a larger amount than the solute.

* Solute: The substance that gets dissolved in the solvent.

Example: Sugar dissolving in water.

* Water: Solvent

* Sugar: Solute

* Sugar water: Solution

Water is often called the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve many substances due to its polar nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds.