1 salt
Pronounced:
/ˈsɑ:lt/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural saltsMeaning:
1 [noncount] : a natural white substance that is used especially to flavor or preserve food ▪ The soup needs a little more salt. ▪ Season the meat with salt and pepper. ▪ Add a pinch of salt. [=a small amount of salt] —see also sea salt, table salt
2 [count] technical : a chemical compound formed when part of an acid is replaced by a metal or something like a metal ▪ mineral/potassium salts
2 [count] technical : a chemical compound formed when part of an acid is replaced by a metal or something like a metal ▪ mineral/potassium salts
rub salt in/into someone's wounds —see 1rub
take (something) with a grain/pinch of salt
informal : to not completely believe (something) : to be doubtful about the truth or accuracy of (something) ▪ He seems confident, but you should take what he says with a grain of salt.
the salt of the earth
: a very good and honest person or group of people ▪ These folks are the salt of the earth.
worth your salt
: worthy of ordinary respect —used to say what should be expected from someone who does a job properly, from something that is as good as it should be, etc. ▪ A detective writer worth his salt [=a good detective writer] keeps his readers from solving the mystery. ▪ Any doctor worth her salt [=any good/capable doctor] would have advised you to get a second opinion before having major surgery.
—see also epsom salt, smelling salts