Pronunciation: [sˈamən] (IPA) 
The word "salmon" is spelled in a peculiar way. Although the "l" is not pronounced, it is still included in the spelling. This is because the word is derived from the Latin word "salmo", which had an "l" in it. Additionally, the "o" is pronounced as a short "a" sound, which is represented by the letter "a" in the phonetic transcription: /ˈsæmən/. So the next time you order salmon at a restaurant, remember that the "l" is silent!
Salmon is a noun that refers to a medium to large-sized fish belonging to the family Salmonidae, characterized by their elongated body shape, silvery coloration, and the ability to migrate between saltwater and freshwater environments. This term is commonly used to describe various species of fish found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Typically, salmon have streamlined bodies with small scales and widely distributed fins. Their physical appearance can vary depending on the stage of their lifecycle, as they undergo significant changes during their migration from freshwater rivers to the open ocean.
Salmon are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to mature and feed, and subsequently return to their natal rivers to reproduce. This migratory behavior contributes to their crucial ecological role in distributing nutrients between marine and freshwater environments.
Salmon are highly valued for their culinary qualities and are popular in many cuisines around the world. They are known for their rich, flavorful flesh that ranges in color from pink to red, depending on the specific species and diet. Furthermore, salmon is a fish that is often associated with healthy diets due to its high protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, and various beneficial nutrients.
Due to their significance both economically and ecologically, salmon populations have faced challenges including overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution. As a result, conservation efforts, such as fisheries management and habitat restoration, are crucial to maintaining sustainable populations of salmon in the future.
A sea-fish, having reddish flesh, which ascends rivers to deposit its spawn.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "salmon" has its roots in Old French and ultimately derives from Latin. Here is the etymology of the word:
1. The word "salmon" entered the English language around the 13th century, borrowed from the Old French word "saumon".
2. The Old French term "saumon" itself came from the Latin word "salmo".
3. The Latin word "salmo" referred to a type of fish, which is believed to have been the salmon or a closely related fish species.
4. The root of the Latin word "salmo" is uncertain, but it might be derived from the Indo-European root word *salm-, which means "to jump" or "to leap". This could be a reference to the salmon's habit of leaping up waterfalls or rapids during its migration.
