What term describes a substance that is dissolved in a solution?

The term that describes a substance that is dissolved in a solution is "solute." In a solution, the solute is the component that is present in a lesser quantity compared to the solvent, which is the substance that does the dissolving. For example, when salt is added to water, the salt is the solute, while the water acts as the solvent. Understanding the roles of solutes and solvents is essential in chemistry, especially when calculating concentrations and understanding solution behavior.

The relationship between solute and solvent is fundamental in various applications, including chemical reactions, biological processes, and formulation of different products. The other terms presented do not correctly define a substance being dissolved; for instance, "solvent" refers to the medium in which the solute is dissolved, "aqueous" specifically describes a solution where water is the solvent, and "precipitate" refers to a solid that forms and separates from a liquid solution, not a dissolved substance.