saltcellar

American  

[sawlt-sel-er] / ˈsɔltˌsɛl ər /

noun

1. a shaker or dish for salt.

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saltcellar British  

/ ˈsɔːltˌsɛlə /

noun

1. a small container for salt used at the table

2. informal either of the two hollows formed above the collarbones of very slim people

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Etymology

Origin of saltcellar

1400–50; salt ¹ + cellar, for earlier saler saltcellar, late Middle English < Old French saliere < Latin salāria, noun use of feminine of salārius (adj.) pertaining to salt, equivalent to sal salt ¹ + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

He will be able to handle the only absolutely authenticated Cellini in the world� an exquisite ebony, gold, and enamel saltcellar.

From Time Magazine Archive

As late as the 18th century, the rank of guests at a banquet was gauged by where they sat in relation to an often elaborate silver saltcellar on the table.

From Time Magazine Archive

Are you old enough to remember the typical 1920 manufacturing plant �and how it looked "like a shoe-box with a saltcellar in front of it?"

From Time Magazine Archive

At meals he propped a book against the saltcellar, read gloomily.

From Time Magazine Archive

She halted at the head of the shrouded body, completing her three circles, and set the saltcellar down on the ground at her feet.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo