Salinity: meaning, definitions and examples

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salinity

[səˈlɪnɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

oceanography

The concentration of dissolved salts in water, usually expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or practical salinity units (psu). Salinity affects the density of seawater and plays a major role in ocean circulation.

Synonyms

brininess, saline concentration, salt content.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
salinity	This term is commonly used in scientific and environmental contexts to measure the amount of salt in water or soil. The salinity of the ocean affects marine life Scientists are studying the salinity levels in the river
salt content	Use this term when discussing the amount of salt in food, water, or other substances in everyday contexts. The salt content of these snacks is quite high Checking the salt content in bottled water is important for people on a low-sodium diet
brininess	This word is often used to describe the salty taste of food, especially when talking about pickles, brined foods, or the flavor of the sea. The brininess of the olives adds a delightful contrast to the dish You can taste the brininess in the freshly caught fish
saline concentration	This phrase is typically used in medical and scientific contexts to reference the specific strength of a saline solution, such as in medical treatments or laboratory experiments. Doctors adjusted the saline concentration in the IV fluid Researchers needed to control the saline concentration for their experiment

Examples of usage

High salinity in the Dead Sea allows for effortless floating.
Salinity levels in the Atlantic Ocean vary depending on the region.
Changes in salinity can impact marine organisms.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

agriculture

The saltiness of soil or water, which can affect plant growth and crop yield.

Synonyms

saline level, salt concentration, saltiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
salinity	Often used in scientific or environmental contexts when discussing the amount of salt in water or soil. The salinity of the ocean varies depending on the location High salinity can affect plant growth in soils
saltiness	Mostly used in everyday language when talking about the taste of food, often with a slightly negative connotation if the food is overly salty. The soup's saltiness made it almost inedible Adjust the saltiness by adding more water to the recipe
saline level	Common in medical or laboratory settings, referring to the amount of salt in solutions used for treatments or experiments. Doctors need to monitor the saline level in IV fluids The saline level of the solution should be checked before the experiment
salt concentration	Used in chemistry, biology, and food science to describe the proportion of salt in a mixture or solution. The salt concentration in the sample was measured using a special instrument High salt concentration in food can lead to health issues

Examples of usage

Farmers use irrigation techniques to manage soil salinity.
High salinity in irrigation water can lead to crop damage.
Measuring soil salinity is essential for successful farming.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sal', meaning salt, highlighting its connection to salt concentration.
It first appeared in English texts around the 1790s, mainly in discussions about ocean science.

Science

Salinity affects water's density; higher salinity means denser water, which impacts ocean currents.
Oceans generally have a salinity of about 35 parts per thousand, though this can vary with location and climate.
Changes in salinity can impact marine life and ecosystems, influencing species diversity and habitat health.

Environment

Increased salinity in freshwater bodies is a concern caused by human activity, leading to ecological imbalances.
Salinity levels can affect agricultural practices, especially in areas prone to saltwater intrusion in coastal regions.

Weather

Salinity plays a key role in regulating the Earth's climate by influencing ocean circulation patterns.
High salinity can lead to phenomena like evaporation and can affect local weather systems, such as rainfall patterns.

Cultural Reference

In certain cultures, salt is seen as a symbol of preservation and durability, which reflects the importance of salinity in food.
Historical trade routes often focused on salt, demonstrating its economic significance in shaping societies.

Translations

Translations of the word "salinity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salinidade

🇮🇳 लवणता

🇩🇪 Salzgehalt

🇮🇩 kadar garam

🇺🇦 солоність

🇵🇱 zasolenie

🇯🇵 塩分濃度

🇫🇷 salinité

🇪🇸 salinidad

🇹🇷 tuzluluk

🇰🇷 염도

🇸🇦 ملوحة

🇨🇿 slanost

🇸🇰 slanost

🇨🇳 盐度

🇸🇮 slanost

🇮🇸 seltu

🇰🇿 тұздылық

🇬🇪 მარილიანობა

🇦🇿 duzluluq

🇲🇽 salinidad

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,937 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9934 dire
9935 sentimental
9936 effecting
9937 salinity
9938 spacious
9939 identifiable
9940 reckon
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