(also common salt) sodium chloride occurring naturally, e.g. as a mineral deposit, and dissolved in sea water and used esp in the form of white powder or crystals for seasoning or preserving food
any of numerous chemical compounds resulting from replacement of all or part of the hydrogen atoms of an acid by a metal atom or other chemical group
(in pl) a mixture of the salts of usu sodium, potassium, or magnesium used as a laxative
Epsom salts
(in pl) = smelling salts
an ingredient that imparts savour, piquancy, or zest
sharpness of wit
informal (usu old salt) an experienced sailor
= saltcellar
in a socially disadvantageous position
to make something that is already painful, embarrassing, humiliating, etc even worse
a person or group whose goodness, kindness, honesty, etc makes them worthy of respect and admiration
one of those happy souls which are the salt of the earth, and without whom, this world would smell like what it is – a tomb — Shelley
to regard something said as doubtful or likely to be exaggerated
[from the notion of salt adding flavour to food or making it more palatable]worthy of respect; capable and efficient
[said to be derived from the ancient Roman practice of paying a special sum of money to soldiers to buy salt: compare salary1]