Definition

1. Noun:
   • A white crystalline solid, sodium chloride (NaCl): This is the chemical compound primarily used for seasoning and preserving food. It is the substance typically referred to as table salt.
   • The substance obtained from the evaporation of seawater or mined from deposits: It is an essential mineral for biological life and a ubiquitous food ingredient.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for one teaspoon of common salt.
  • Common salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.
  • Historically, common salt was a valuable commodity for food preservation.

Advanced Usage

• "Common salt" in a scientific or technical context: The term is often used to distinguish ordinary sodium chloride from other chemical salts.
  • The laboratory procedure requires the use of common salt, not potassium salt.

Variants and Related Words

• Sodium Chloride (NaCl): The chemical name for common salt.
• Table Salt: A refined form of common salt, often with added iodine.
• Rock Salt: A less refined, crystalline form of common salt, often used for de-icing.
• Sea Salt: Common salt produced by the evaporation of seawater.

Synonyms

• Salt: The most common general synonym.
• Sodium Chloride: The precise chemical term.

Related Phrases

• "Salt of the earth" (Idiom): A very good and honest person. (Note: This idiom uses "salt" metaphorically, not specifically "common salt").
  • He's the salt of the earth, always willing to help his neighbors.

Noun

1. white crystalline form of especially sodium chloride used to season and preserve food
2. a white crystalline solid consisting mainly of sodium chloride (NaCl)