salinity

[ suh-lin-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being salty; saltiness:

   Ocean currents are driven by differences in the temperature and salinity of the water.

2. a measurement of the amount of salt in a given solution:

   Adding fresh water to a marsh lowers salinity.

Other Words From

• hy·per·sa·lin·i·ty noun
• non·sa·lin·i·ty noun
• sub·sa·lin·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of salinity¹

salin(e) ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

They found increased salinity and high concentrations of heavy metals in water nearer oil wells, as well as high concentrations of lead and barium in human hair samples.

From BBC

Both a freshwater and brackish species, the golden mussel can tolerate wide ranges in salinity, temperature and pH levels, and cantravel much farther than people might think.

From Los Angeles Times

Bore water is being contaminated by salinity from the encroaching sea and, more and more, rainwater must be harvested during the wet season.

From BBC

But we do know that the Salton Sea’s bacteria have also killed the lake’s fish by depleting its oxygen and increasing its salinity.

From Los Angeles Times

And sea level rise is likely to complicate water managers’ efforts to manage salinity levels and meet water quality standards in the delta.

From Los Angeles Times