adj
saline
SAY-lyn
adj
1
Containing salt, or tasting of it.
"The desert soil was too saline for most crops to survive."
"Doctors gave her a saline drip to keep her hydrated."
noun
1
A solution of salt in water, especially one used medically.
"The nurse flushed the wound with saline before dressing it."
How to Use Saline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSalty, or a saltwater solution — most often heard in a hospital or lab context.
Common pairings
saline solution
saline drip
saline water
Word Forms
more saline comparative, salines plural, most saline superlative
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The desert soil was too _____ for most crops to survive.
Etymology
From Latin salinus, "of salt," itself from sal, "salt" — the same root behind salt, salary, and salsa.