salt
/sɔlt/
NOUN
1. A common seasoning and preservative
A crystalline substance, primarily sodium chloride, used to season food, enhance flavor, and preserve ingredients.
1.1. Sodium chloride used in food
Refers to ordinary edible salt added to food to improve its flavor or used in food preservation.
Synonyms
- sodium chloride
- table salt
- common salt
- cooking salt
- edible salt
Examples
- She added a pinch of salt to the soup.
- The recipe calls for salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Salt was traditionally used to preserve meat and fish.
Related Words
- seasoning
- condiment
- brine
- sea salt
- rock salt
- kosher salt
- salt crystals
NOUN
2. A chemical compound formed from an acid and a base
An ionic compound produced when the hydrogen ions of an acid are replaced by metal or other positive ions, commonly through a reaction between an acid and a base.
2.1. An ionic chemical compound
Refers to a chemical substance composed of positively and negatively charged ions, formed through an acid-base reaction or other chemical processes.
Synonyms
- ionic compound
- ionic substance
Examples
- The reaction between the acid and the base produced a salt and water.
- Copper sulfate is a salt commonly used in laboratory experiments.
Related Words
- sodium chloride
- sulfate
- carbonate
- nitrate
- chloride
- cation
- anion
- electrolyte
NOUN
3. A sailor or experienced seafarer
A sailor, especially one who has considerable experience at sea; often used in the expression 'old salt'.
3.1. An experienced sailor
Describes a seasoned seafarer who has spent considerable time working or traveling aboard ships.
Synonyms
Examples
- The old salt entertained the crew with stories of his voyages.
- An experienced salt knows how to read the weather at sea.
- The young sailors listened carefully to the old salt's advice.
Related Words
- deckhand
- able seaman
- shipmate
- crewman
- navigator
- boatswain
NOUN
4. A substance added to data for cryptographic security
Random or pseudorandom data added to a password or other input before hashing or encryption to make attacks such as precomputed hash attacks more difficult.
4.1. Cryptographic random data
Refers to additional random data combined with a password or input before hashing to improve resistance against password-cracking techniques.
Synonyms
- cryptographic salt
- random salt
- hashing salt
Examples
- The application generates a unique salt for every user password.
- The password salt is stored alongside the resulting hash.
- Adding a random salt helps protect passwords against precomputed dictionary attacks.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A person who infiltrates a workplace to organize a union
A person who deliberately obtains employment at a company to encourage or assist workers in forming or joining a labor union.
5.1. A union-organizing employee
Refers to someone who takes a job at a workplace with the intention of organizing employees and promoting labor union membership.
Synonyms
- union organizer
- labor organizer
- workplace organizer
Examples
- The company suspected that the newly hired employee was a salt working to organize the staff.
- The union sent a salt into the workplace to encourage employees to organize.
Related Words
- trade union
- labor union
- unionization
- organizing campaign
- labor movement
NOUN
6. Flavor, seasoning, or piquancy
The quality of taste provided by salt or, figuratively, an element that makes something more interesting, lively, or appealing.
6.1. Flavor or seasoning in food
Refers to the taste or seasoning provided by salt, particularly the savory quality it adds to food.
Synonyms
- seasoning
- flavoring
- taste
- savory flavor
Examples
- The soup lacked salt and needed additional seasoning.
- A little salt gives the vegetables a more balanced flavor.
Related Words
6.2. Wit or liveliness in expression
Refers to a figurative quality of sharpness, wit, or piquancy that makes conversation, writing, or entertainment more engaging.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dullness
- blandness
- flatness
Examples
- Her sharp wit added salt to the otherwise formal discussion.
- The author's observations give the novel its salt and character.
Related Words
- humor
- sharpness
- cleverness
- repartee
- vitality
NOUN
7. A salt marsh
A coastal area of low-lying land regularly flooded or influenced by seawater and characterized by salt-tolerant vegetation.
7.1. A coastal saline wetland
Refers to a marshland near the sea where tidal water creates saline conditions and supports salt-tolerant plants.
Synonyms
- salt marsh
- saltwater marsh
- saline marsh
- coastal marsh
Examples
- The coastal salt provides habitat for numerous migratory birds.
- Researchers studied the vegetation growing in the salt near the estuary.
Related Words
- tidal marsh
- wetland
- estuary
- salt meadow
- mudflat
NOUN
8. A salt container used at the table
A small dish or container designed to hold salt for use during meals.
8.1. A table salt container
Refers to a small vessel placed on a dining table to hold salt for diners to use when seasoning their food.
Synonyms
- salt cellar
- salt dish
- salt bowl
- salt pot
Examples
- She passed the salt across the table.
- The antique silver salt was displayed alongside the family's other dining utensils.
Related Words
- salt shaker
- condiment dish
- cruet
- pepper pot
- seasoning container
NOUN
9. Skepticism and practical judgment
A quality of critical thinking, skepticism, and sound practical judgment when evaluating claims or situations.
9.1. Common sense and skepticism
Refers to a sensible, questioning attitude that helps someone assess information carefully rather than accepting everything at face value.
Synonyms
- common sense
- skepticism
- shrewdness
- practical wisdom
- good judgment
Antonyms
- gullibility
- naivety
- credulity
Examples
- She approached the extravagant promises with a healthy dose of salt.
- His experience gave him enough salt to question the suspicious offer.
Related Words
- discernment
- prudence
- caution
- sound judgment
- critical thinking
NOUN
10. Indignation or resentment
A feeling of anger, offense, or resentment, particularly in response to something perceived as unfair or insulting.
10.1. Anger or offended resentment
Refers to a state of indignation or irritation arising from a perceived insult, injustice, or provocation.
Synonyms
- indignation
- resentment
- outrage
- anger
- irritation
Antonyms
- contentment
- satisfaction
- calmness
Examples
- The unfair decision left the workers feeling considerable salt.
- There was clear salt in his voice when he discussed the accusation.
Related Words
- wrath
- annoyance
- offense
- displeasure
- exasperation
VERB
11. Adding salt to food
To add salt to food or another substance in order to season, preserve, or alter its taste.
11.1. Seasoning food with salt
Describes adding salt to food to enhance its flavor or achieve the desired level of seasoning.
Synonyms
- season
- salt down
- brine
- cure
Antonyms
- desalt
- unsalt
Examples
- She salted the potatoes before roasting them.
- The chef salted the meat and left it to rest.
- You should taste the soup before salting it further.
Related Words
- seasoning
- preserving
- curing
- brining
- salting
11.2. Preserving food with salt
Describes treating food with salt or a concentrated salt solution to inhibit spoilage and extend its storage life.
Synonyms
- cure
- brine
- preserve
- pickle
Examples
- The fishermen salted the catch to preserve it for the journey.
- The meat was salted and dried before being stored.
Related Words
VERB
12. Depositing salt or saline material
To deposit or leave salt in or on a surface, area, or material, often through the evaporation of saline water.
12.1. Leaving a deposit of salt
Describes the accumulation or deposition of salt on a surface or in an area as saline water evaporates or moves through the material.
Synonyms
- deposit salt
- leave a salt deposit
- salinize
Antonyms
- desalinate
- desalt
Examples
- The evaporating water salted the surface of the soil.
- Repeated flooding salted the low-lying land.
Related Words
- salinization
- evaporation
- crystallization
- saline solution
- salt accumulation
VERB
13. Filling timber with salt for preservation
To pack salt between the timbers and planks of a wooden ship as a traditional method of preserving the wood.
13.1. Preserving wooden ship timbers
Describes placing salt between the structural timbers and planks of a wooden vessel to help preserve the wood.
Synonyms
- preserve with salt
- salt-pack
- treat with salt
Examples
- The shipwright salted the spaces between the vessel's timbers.
- The wooden hull was salted as part of the traditional preservation process.
Related Words
- shipbuilding
- timber preservation
- wood treatment
- planking
- caulking
VERB
14. Introducing an artificial element into something
To insert or introduce something into an object, location, or situation to make it appear different from its natural or original state.
14.1. Adding artificial material or features
Describes introducing foreign material, objects, or features into something to alter its apparent character, quality, or composition.
Synonyms
- adulterate
- tamper with
- falsify
- doctor
- plant
Antonyms
- purify
- authenticate
- verify
Examples
- The investigators discovered that someone had salted the sample with a foreign substance.
- The prospector salted the mine with gold to make it appear more valuable.
- The evidence had been salted to mislead the investigators.
Related Words
- fabricate
- contaminate
- manipulate
- rig
- manipulation
VERB
15. Adding colorful or vivid language
To include expressive, forceful, or sometimes profane language in speech or writing to make it more vivid or emphatic.
15.1. Embellishing speech with expressive language
Describes adding colorful expressions, strong words, or profanity to conversation or writing for emphasis or dramatic effect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- sanitize
- tone down
- milden
Examples
- The sailor salted his stories with colorful language.
- She salted her speech with humorous remarks and sharp observations.
Related Words
- profanity
- expletive
- colorful language
- vivid expression
- emphasis
VERB
16. Adding random data before hashing
To add random or pseudorandom bytes to an input before hashing or encrypting it to improve resistance against certain cryptographic attacks.
16.1. Applying a cryptographic salt
Describes combining additional random data with a password or other input before processing it through a cryptographic hash function.
Synonyms
- salt with random data
- add a cryptographic salt
- salt the hash input
Examples
- The system salts each password before hashing it.
- The developer salted the input to make precomputed attacks more difficult.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
17. Having a salty or saline quality
Containing salt or characterized by a salty taste or saline composition.
17.1. Containing or tasting of salt
Describes food, water, or another substance that contains salt or has a distinctly salty taste.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- fresh
- unsalted
- nonsaline
Examples
- The salt air carried a strong ocean scent.
- The salt water left a mineral residue on the rocks.
Related Words
- brackish
- saliferous
- salt-laden
- saltwater
ADJECTIVE
18. Related to salt extraction or processing
Pertaining to the deposits, mining, excavation, processing, or industrial use of salt.
18.1. Associated with salt deposits and production
Describes activities, locations, or materials connected with the extraction, processing, or commercial use of salt.
Synonyms
- salt-related
- salt-producing
- salt-mining
Examples
- The region has a long history of salt mining.
- The company invested in new salt-processing facilities.
Related Words
- saline
- saltworks
- salt mine
- salt deposit
- evaporite
ADJECTIVE
19. Bitter, sharp, or pungent in character
Having a sharp, biting, or pungent quality, particularly in taste, expression, or manner.
19.1. Sharp or biting in expression
Describes remarks, humor, or attitudes that are pointed, cutting, or sharply critical.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- mild
- gentle
- bland
- mellow
Examples
- The critic delivered a salt response to the politician's proposal.
- His salt remarks made the debate more confrontational.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
20. Salacious or sexually lustful
Characterized by strong sexual desire or an excessive interest in sexual matters.
20.1. Lustful or sexually suggestive
Describes a person, attitude, or behavior characterized by sexual desire or salacious interest.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- chaste
- modest
- restrained
Examples
- The old text used salt language to describe the character's lustful behavior.
Related Words
- lewd
- licentious
- indecent
- prurient
ADJECTIVE
21. Costly or expensive
Having a high price or requiring a considerable amount of money.
21.1. High in price
Describes something that costs a substantial amount of money or is considered expensive.
Synonyms
- expensive
- costly
- pricey
- high-priced
- dear
Antonyms
- cheap
- inexpensive
- affordable
- low-cost
Examples
- The antique furniture was considered salt by local buyers.
- The salt price of imported goods discouraged many customers.
Related Words
- overpriced
- premium
- extravagant
- cost-prohibitive