Solute

A solution contains a dissolved substance, called a solute. A dilute sugar solution contains relatively little sugar and a high concentration of water. A concentrated sugar solution contains more sugar and a lower concentration of water.

A dilute solution contains relatively little dissolved solute and has a higher concentration of water molecules. A concentrated solution contains more solute and has a lower concentration of water molecules. Water therefore moves down its own concentration gradient, even though it moves towards the more concentrated solute solution.