salt
UK: sɔːlt | US: sɔːlt
n. a white crystalline substance used to season or preserve food
vt. to add salt to something
adj. containing or tasting of salt
The word "salt" traces back to Old English sealt, derived from Proto-Germanic saltą, which in turn comes from Proto-Indo-European séh₂ls (meaning "salt"). This root is shared across many Indo-European languages (e.g., Latin sal, Greek hals). The modern spelling "salt" reflects the simplification of Old English inflectional endings. Historically, salt was a vital commodity, influencing trade routes and even language (e.g., "salary" from Latin salarium, a Roman soldier's allowance for buying salt).
She sprinkled salt on her fries.
The soup needs more salt.
They salted the roads to melt the ice.
The air near the ocean smells salty.
Salt was once used as currency in some cultures.