Salt: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in everyday language when speaking about the white crystalline substance added to food to enhance flavor or as a preservative.

• Can you pass the salt, please?
• Add a pinch of salt to the soup.

General term used to refer to substances (including salt) added to food to enhance flavor. Often used by chefs or in cooking contexts.

• This dish lacks seasoning.
• Add some seasoning to your steak for better taste.

Scientific term commonly used in chemistry and medical contexts to refer specifically to the chemical compound NaCl.

• Sodium chloride is essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
• In chemistry class, we studied the properties of sodium chloride.

Used in scientific or environmental contexts to describe the concentration of salts in water or soil.

• The salinity of the ocean is crucial for marine life.
• High salinity levels in soil can affect plant growth.

Use in everyday situations, especially while talking about food or cooking. It refers to the common table salt used to season and preserve food.

• Can you pass the salt, please?
• Add a pinch of salt to the soup for better taste.

Use in scientific contexts, especially when referring to a substance made up of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

• Water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
• They synthesized a new chemical compound in the lab.

Use in chemistry-related discussions, especially when explaining substances made up of ions held together by electrostatic forces.

• Sodium chloride is an example of an ionic compound.
• Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points.

Use in scientific and industrial contexts, when discussing a substance that has been neutralized, meaning its pH level has been adjusted to make it non-reactive.

• The chemical spill was treated with a neutralized substance to prevent harm.
• They used a neutralized substance to balance the pH of the solution.

Use 'salt' when referring to the common seasoning that adds a salty taste to food. It is also used when discussing the overall level of salt in a dish.

• Can you pass the salt, please?
• The soup needs more salt.

Use 'season' when talking about adding a variety of spices or herbs to food to enhance its taste. It is a broader term that includes salt but also other ingredients.

• Remember to season the steak before cooking it.
• You should season the soup with some black pepper and herbs.

Use 'flavor' to talk about the overall taste characteristic of a dish or food item. This includes all the elements that contribute to taste, not just saltiness.

• The lemon adds a refreshing flavor to the cake.
• This cheese has a very strong flavor.

Use 'sprinkle' when referring to the act of lightly scattering a small amount of a substance, such as salt or sugar, over food. It implies a thin, even distribution.

• Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the pasta.
• She likes to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on her coffee.