salinity
suh-LIN-uh-tee
/səˈlɪn.ə.ti/
The concentration of dissolved salts in water, typically measured in parts per thousand.
A quantitative scientific measure of salt content, essential for determining water density and ecological suitability.
The story behind the word. Traces directly to the ancient Latin word sal for salt, which also gave us salary because Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in valuable salt blocks.
Word relationships
- saltiness: Saltiness is a sensory culinary term, whereas salinity is a scientific measurement.
- freshness: Refers to the absence of salt in freshwater ecosystems.
Commonly confused with
- alkalinity: Alkalinity measures acid-neutralizing capacity (pH balance), not salt concentration.
Word family
- saline (adjective): Containing salt or resembling salt water.
- salinize (verb): To make land or water salty.
Collocations
- high salinity
- salinity levels
- salinity gradient
- measure salinity
Example sentences
- "Changes in water salinity directly affect sea surface density and global ocean circulation patterns." Ocean chemistry
Memory hook
SAL (salt) + INITY: measuring how much salt is in the solution. Measuring the salt in water.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the taste of food at a dining table; use saltiness instead.
Fun facts
- The Dead Sea has a salinity of around 34 percent, making it nearly ten times saltier than typical ocean water.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.