Saltshaker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
saltshaker
[sษltหสeษช.kษ ]
Definition
kitchen item
A saltshaker is a small container used to hold and dispense salt. It typically has holes in the top that allow salt to be sprinkled onto food. Saltshakers are commonly made of glass or plastic and are a standard item in many dining settings.
Synonyms
salt cellar, salt dispenser.
Examples of usage
- Please pass me the saltshaker.
- The saltshaker was empty, so I refilled it.
- He shook the saltshaker over his meal.
- I prefer using a sea salt saltshaker for my cooking.
Translations
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Origin of 'saltshaker'
The word 'saltshaker' is a compound term formed by combining 'salt', derived from the Old English 'sealt' and Germanic 'salt,' with 'shaker', which originates from the verb 'shake'โmeaning to move or cause to move up and down or side to side. 'Salt' has been a crucial commodity throughout history, used not only for flavoring food but also for preserving it. The practice of using a dedicated container to dispense salt can be traced back to ancient times, however, the modern saltshaker as we know it emerged in the 19th century alongside the rise of tableware and dining etiquette. Initially, salt was kept in cellars or bowls, but the need for convenience and sanitation led to the creation of covered containers with perforated tops, known as saltshakers, for easy access during meals.