SALT Meaning and
Definition
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Salt is a crystalline mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). It is commonly found in nature, either as rock salt or as the dissolved mineral compound in bodies of water. Salt has been used by humans for thousands of years for various purposes, including culinary, medicinal, and industrial uses.
In terms of its culinary use, salt is a highly regarded and essential ingredient in cooking and food preparation. It enhances the flavor of dishes and helps to bring out the natural tastes of various ingredients. Salt is also used as a preservative, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can spoil food.
Medicinally, salt is sometimes used as a saline solution for medical procedures, such as nasal irrigation or wound cleaning. It is also used in some oral rehydration solutions to replace essential electrolytes lost during dehydration.
In industry, salt has numerous applications. It is used in the production of chlorine, which is essential for the manufacturing of plastics, disinfectants, and other chemical products. Salt is also used in water softening processes, as well as in the production of textiles, soaps, and detergents.
Overall, salt is a versatile mineral that has played a significant role in human civilization. Its importance extends beyond its basic function as a seasoning and has widespread applications in various fields.
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1. A compound formed by the interaction of and acid and a base, the hydrogen atoms of the acid being replaced by the atoms of the base. 2. Sodium chloride, NaCl, common salt, table salt.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A common culinary substance, obtained from sea-water, salt-springs, and from mines; in chem., called chloride of sodium; a term applied to a combination of an acid with an alkaline base; that which preserves from corruption; figuratively, wit; piquancy.
• Having the taste of salt; impregnated with salt.
• To season, sprinkle, or impregnate with salt.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SALT *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for SALT
Etymology of SALT
The word "salt" has its roots in Old English, deriving from the Proto-Germanic word "salta" and the Old Norse word "salt". These words ultimately trace back to the Latin word "sal" and the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European root "sal-". This root is closely related to the Sanskrit word "lavaná" and the Greek word "halas", all meaning "salt". The term "salt" has remained remarkably consistent across different languages due to its importance as a vital seasoning and preserving agent throughout human history.
Idioms with the word SALT
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salt sth with sth
The idiom "salt something with something" typically means to add a small amount of something, usually a specific quality or element, to enhance or improve it. It can also refer to adding additional information or context to a story or statement to make it more interesting or believable.
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eat (one's) salt
The idiom "eat one's salt" refers to being under someone's authority or protection, typically as a result of being his or her guest or employee. It implies owing loyalty, respect, and gratitude to the person providing the salt.
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any judge etc. worth salt
The idiom "any judge, etc. worth their salt" refers to someone who is competent, skilled, and knowledgeable in their field. It implies that the person in question has earned their reputation and possesses the necessary qualifications or expertise to be considered credible and capable in their role. The phrase "worth their salt" originates from the historical practice of paying people in salt, which was a valuable commodity. Therefore, being "worth their salt" signifies that someone is deserving of respect and recognition.
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with a grain of salt
The idiom "with a grain of salt" means to view or interpret something with skepticism or caution, implying that it may not be entirely reliable or truthful. It suggests that one should not take information or statements at face value, but rather consider them cautiously or critically.
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back to the salt mines
The idiom "back to the salt mines" means returning to work or resuming a routine task, especially after a brief break or vacation. It is often used humorously or sarcastically to express the feeling of going back to a labor-intensive or mundane job.
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salt sth away
The idiom "salt something away" means to save or store something, especially money or resources, for future use or emergencies. It often refers to setting aside a portion of income or resources in a secure and hidden place, just like preserving food by adding salt to it to prevent spoilage.
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take something with a pinch (or grain) of salt
The idiom "take something with a pinch (or grain) of salt" means to not fully believe or accept something as completely true or accurate, but rather to approach it with skepticism or caution. It implies a sense of doubt or reservation.
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above (or below) the salt
The idiom "above (or below) the salt" refers to hierarchical seating arrangements at a dining table, where "the salt" represents the central position. To be "above the salt" means being seated in a position of prominence or high status, often closer to the host or at the head of the table. Conversely, to be "below the salt" indicates a seating position of lesser importance or lower status, typically farther from the host or at the foot of the table. This idiom is commonly used metaphorically to describe social positions or levels of importance in various contexts beyond dining.
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eat sm's salt
The idiom "eat someone's salt" refers to being dependent on someone for sustenance or livelihood, usually because they are your employer or benefactor. It reflects a relationship of reliance and indebtedness to the person or organization providing food or income.
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take with a grain of salt
The idiom "take with a grain of salt" means to be skeptical about or not fully believe something that is being said or presented, as it may be exaggerated, incorrect, or unreliable. It suggests that the information should not be taken too seriously or completely trusted.
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go pound salt
The idiom "go pound salt" is an expression used to dismiss, reject, or belittle someone's request, opinion, or suggestion. It implies telling someone to go engage in a pointless or menial task, such as pounding salt, which is considered unimportant or insignificant.
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rub salt in a wound
The idiom "rub salt in a wound" means to make someone's distress, difficulty, or pain even worse by adding insult to injury or by intentionally aggravating the situation. It refers to making a negative situation more painful or humiliating for someone already experiencing a difficult time.
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old salt
The idiom "old salt" refers to a seasoned sailor or a person with extensive experience and knowledge in maritime affairs. It is often used to describe someone who is wise, skilled, and well-versed in the ways of the sea.
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rub salt into wounds
The idiom "rub salt into wounds" means to intentionally worsen someone's distress or suffering, typically by reminding them of their painful experiences or expressing criticism in a hurtful manner. It implies adding insult to injury and exacerbating someone's emotional or physical pain.
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worth your salt
The idiom "worth your salt" refers to someone or something that is capable, proficient, or deserving of respect and recognition based on their abilities, skills, or performance. It implies that the person is valuable and worthy of their position or role. It originates from the practice of paying workers with salt in ancient times, as salt was considered a valuable commodity.
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no teacher/actor, etc. worth their salt
The idiom "no teacher/actor, etc. worth their salt" refers to someone who is highly skilled, talented, and competent in their profession or field of expertise. It implies that a person's ability, knowledge, and experience are of such high value that they are considered exceptionally good and worthy in their chosen endeavor. The expression typically emphasizes the importance of having a true expert or professional in a particular role, someone whose skills and accomplishments are respected and recognized.
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beneath the salt
The idiom "beneath the salt" refers to someone of lower status or importance, usually sitting lower down the table, away from the host or people of higher social standing. It originated from the tradition of placing a saltcellar in the center of a dining table, with guests of higher rank being seated "above the salt" and those of lower rank "beneath the salt." The idiom can also signify being of lesser importance or treatment in a general context.
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take sth with a grain of salt, at take sth with a pinch of salt
The idiom "take something with a grain of salt" or "take something with a pinch of salt" means to be skeptical or not fully believe something that has been said or reported, especially if it seems exaggerated or doubtful. It implies that one should treat the information or statement with caution and not take it entirely at face value. It suggests maintaining a level of skepticism and not accepting something as completely true or accurate without additional verification or evidence.
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throw salt on someone’s game
The idiom "throw salt on someone’s game" means to intentionally spoil or disrupt someone's plans, progress, or success. It refers to someone's deliberate action of undermining or sabotaging someone's efforts or achievements.
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any (one) worth (one's) salt
The idiom "any (one) worth (one's) salt" refers to a person who is competent, skilled, or worthy in their field of expertise. It emphasizes that the person in question has the qualities or abilities that are expected or required in a particular role or situation.
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salt of the earth
The idiom "salt of the earth" refers to a person who is considered to be very good, honest, and reliable. They are typically down-to-earth, unpretentious, and have strong moral values. These individuals are often seen as the foundation or backbone of a community, and are highly regarded and respected by others.
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take sth with a pinch of salt
The idiom "take something with a pinch of salt" means to be skeptical or doubtful about the truth or accuracy of something that has been said or reported. It suggests that one should not completely believe or trust the information provided, but should instead maintain a degree of skepticism.
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worth one's salt
The idiom "worth one's salt" means deserving of one's pay or worthy of respect. It refers to a person's competence, skill, or value in their job or role.
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common salt
The idiom "common salt" refers to regular table salt or sodium chloride. It is commonly used to denote something that is basic, ordinary, and widely available or universally known.
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salt horse
The idiom "salt horse" refers to poor or low-quality meat, particularly salted or preserved meat, that is typically given to sailors on ships or during times of scarcity. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is of low quality or undesirable.
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salt out
The idiom "salt out" refers to the process of separating or purifying a substance by adding salt or a similar substance, typically to remove impurities or unwanted components. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate the act of eliminating or removing something undesirable or unwanted from a situation or relationship.
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salt sth down
The idiom "salt something down" typically refers to the practice of preserving food by adding salt to it. It can also be used figuratively, meaning to save or conserve something for future use or to further enhance or add flavor to something.
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rub salt into sb's wounds
The idiom "rub salt into someone's wounds" means to deliberately worsen someone's emotional pain or distress by reminding them of a negative experience or by adding insult to injury. It implies intentionally making someone feel even worse about a situation they are already upset or hurt by, often by dwelling on their misfortune or making hurtful comments.
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salt the books
The idiom "salt the books" refers to the act of falsifying financial records or accounts in order to deceive or defraud others. It typically involves manipulating numbers or figures to make financial statements appear better than they actually are, usually done for personal gain or to mislead stakeholders or authorities.
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rub salt in the wound
The idiom "rub salt in the wound" means to make a difficult or painful situation even worse by emphasizing or exacerbating someone's distress or discomfort. It typically refers to someone adding insult to injury or intensifying another person's suffering.
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have enough sense to pound salt
The idiom "have enough sense to pound salt" means to have the basic knowledge or intelligence to handle a simple or easy task. It implies that pounding salt is an effortless and straightforward action, suggesting that the person being referred to lacks even the most basic understanding or competence.
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salt of the earth, the
The idiom "salt of the earth" refers to someone who is humble, down-to-earth, and of exceptional moral character. This term is used to describe individuals who are reliable, honest, and unpretentious, often emphasizing their essential quality and value to a community or society as a whole.
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salt away sth
The idiom "salt away something" means to save or store something, typically money or resources, for future use or to safeguard it from being spent or wasted.
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Attic salt
The idiom "Attic salt" refers to wittiness, cleverness, or sharpness of language or expression. It comes from ancient Greece, where "Attic" refers to the dialect of the region surrounding Athens, known for its refined and literary qualities, and "salt" symbolizes the piquancy or zestiness of speech. Thus, "Attic salt" implies the use of clever or witty remarks to add humor or intelligence to a conversation or piece of writing.
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eat salt with
The idiom "eat salt with" means to have a close and enduring relationship with someone, often referring to a deep bond formed through shared experiences, trust, and loyalty. It signifies a strong friendship or companionship that has withstood the test of time.
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go back to the salt mines
The idiom "go back to the salt mines" refers to returning to one's mundane or laborious work after taking a break or vacation. It humorously alludes to the physically demanding and monotonous nature of salt mining, suggesting that one's job or tasks are similarly tiring or repetitive.
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add salt to sth
The idiom "add salt to something" means to worsen or intensify a situation or problem, often by making negative or hurtful remarks or actions. It implies making a bad situation even worse.
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rub salt in/into the wound
The idiom "rub salt in/into the wound" means to worsen someone's suffering or distress by adding insult to injury. It refers to emphasizing or further aggravating an already painful or difficult situation.
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rub salt into somebody’s wounds
The idiom "rub salt into somebody’s wounds" refers to deliberately intensifying someone's pain, distress, or humiliation, often by reminding them of their failures or adding insult to injury. It implies increasing someone's emotional suffering or discomfort when they are already experiencing a difficult or painful situation.
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take sth with a grain of salt
The idiom "take something with a grain of salt" means to not completely believe or trust something someone says or a piece of information, as it might be exaggerated, inaccurate, or unreliable.
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above the salt
The idiom "above the salt" refers to being of high social status or importance. It originates from medieval times when a salt cellar was placed in the middle of a long dining table, and those seated "above the salt" were considered more honored or respected than those seated "below the salt."
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rub salt into the wound
The idiom "rub salt into the wound" is used to describe someone intensifying another person's pain, distress, or humiliation by deliberately making a negative situation even worse or adding insult to injury. It implies exacerbating an already uncomfortable or unfortunate circumstance.
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any judge/lawyer/teacher etc. worth their salt
The idiom "any judge/lawyer/teacher etc. worth their salt" refers to professionals in a particular field who are competent, capable, and knowledgeable in their expertise. It implies that the person being described is skilled and experienced enough to be respected and trusted in their profession. The phrase "worth their salt" dates back to ancient times when salt was a valuable commodity, and it implies that the person being referred to has earned their position and reputation.
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salt (something) away
The idiom "salt (something) away" means to save or store something, often money or provisions, for future use or for a specific purpose. The use of "salt" in this expression originates from the preservation method of using salt to keep food from spoiling. Metaphorically, it suggests putting something aside to ensure its availability or security in the future.
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the salt of the earth
The idiom "the salt of the earth" refers to someone who is considered to be a good, honest, and decent person. This expression is used to describe individuals who are reliable, trustworthy, and dependable, often with strong moral values and a genuine concern for others. The phrase originates from the biblical notion of salt being a valuable and preservative mineral, symbolizing qualities that are seen as essential and virtuous in a person's character.
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take (something) with a grain of salt
The idiom "take (something) with a grain of salt" means to not completely believe or accept something as true or accurate, usually because it might be exaggerated, unreliable, or not fully substantiated. It suggests approaching information with skepticism or caution.
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below the salt
The idiom "below the salt" refers to a person of lower social standing or importance. In traditional dining customs, a large salt cellar called "the salt" was placed in the middle of a long table, and those of high social rank sat above it, while those of lower rank sat below it. Therefore, someone sitting "below the salt" was considered of lower status or less important. Today, the idiom is used more figuratively to describe someone who holds a lower position or lacks influence or authority in a particular group or setting.
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worth your/its salt
The idiom "worth your/its salt" is typically used to describe a person, thing, or idea that is considered to be skilled, competent, or valuable. It originates from the ancient Roman practice of paying soldiers with salt, as it was a valuable commodity. Therefore, if someone or something is "worth their salt," it means they are deserving of respect or compensation for their abilities or qualities.
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take something with a pinch of salt
The idiom "take something with a pinch of salt" means to not completely believe or trust something, particularly if it seems exaggerated or unreliable. It suggests that one should be skeptical or cautious in accepting the information or statement as fully true.
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be the salt of the earth
The idiom "be the salt of the earth" refers to someone who is considered to be exceptionally good, virtuous, or trustworthy. It describes a person who has admirable qualities and is a positive influence on others.
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sit below the salt
The idiom "sit below the salt" is a historical phrase that refers to a seating arrangement during formal meals, particularly in medieval times. In medieval dining etiquette, the seating order was hierarchical, with the most important or high-ranking individuals sitting at the head of the table. The "salt" refers to a saltcellar, which was placed in the center of the table. Those who were considered less important or of lower status would sit farther away from the saltcellar, thus "below the salt." This phrase has come to symbolize someone of lower social standing or lesser importance in a group or organization.
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salt away
To "salt away" means to save money or accumulate wealth over time. It refers to the act of setting aside or storing something valuable for future use, much like preserving food with salt. Thus, this idiom implies the act of saving or investing money for future financial security or a specific goal.
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worth salt
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eat salt
Similar spelling words for SALT
Conjugate verb Salt
CONDITIONAL
I
would salt
you
would salt
he/she/it
would salt
we
would salt
they
would salt
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be salting
you
would be salting
he/she/it
would be salting
we
would be salting
they
would be salting
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have salt
you
would have salt
he/she/it
would have salt
we
would have salt
they
would have salt
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been salting
you
would have been salting
he/she/it
would have been salting
we
would have been salting
they
would have been salting
FUTURE
I
will salt
you
will salt
he/she/it
will salt
we
will salt
they
will salt
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be salting
you
will be salting
he/she/it
will be salting
we
will be salting
they
will be salting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have salted
you
will have salted
he/she/it
will have salted
we
will have salted
they
will have salted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been salting
you
will have been salting
he/she/it
will have been salting
we
will have been salting
they
will have been salting
IMPERATIVE
you
salt
we
let´s salt
to salt
PAST
I
salted
you
salted
he/she/it
salted
we
salted
they
salted
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was salting
you
were salting
he/she/it
was salting
we
were salting
they
were salting
PAST PARTICIPLE
salted
PAST PERFECT
I
had salted
you
had salted
he/she/it
had salted
we
had salted
they
had salted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been salting
you
had been salting
he/she/it
had been salting
we
had been salting
they
had been salting
PRESENT
I
salt
you
salt
he/she/it
salts
we
salt
they
salt
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am salting
you
are salting
he/she/it
is salting
we
are salting
they
are salting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
salting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have salted
you
have salted
he/she/it
has salted
we
have salted
they
have salted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been salting
you
have been salting
he/she/it
has been salting
we
have been salting
they
have been salting
I
would have salted
we
would have salted
you
would have salted
he/she/it
would have salted
they
would have salted
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