What does the term "solute" refer to in a solution?

The term "solute" refers specifically to the substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution. In a typical solution, the solute is usually a solid, liquid, or gas that interacts with the solvent, which is the liquid that does the dissolving. For example, when salt is added to water, salt acts as the solute while water is the solvent. The combination of the solute and the solvent creates a homogeneous mixture, which is the solution. Understanding this distinction is crucial in chemistry as it helps to clarify the roles of different components in a solution.