saline

[ sey-leen, -lahyn ]

adjective

1. of, containing, or resembling common table salt; salty or saltlike:

   a saline solution.

2. of or relating to a chemical salt, especially of sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc., as used as a cathartic.
3. of or relating to a method of abortion involving injection of hypertonic saline solution into the amniotic cavity during the second trimester.

noun

1. a sterile solution of sodium chloride used to dilute medications or for intravenous therapy.
2. salty water; a salty solution.

saline

/ səˈlɪnɪtɪ; ˈseɪlaɪn /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, consisting of, or containing common salt

   a saline taste

2. med of or relating to a saline
3. of, concerned with, consisting of, or containing any chemical salt, esp a metallic salt resembling sodium chloride

noun

1. med an isotonic solution of sodium chloride in distilled water

saline

/ sā′lēn′ /

1. Of or containing salt.

Derived Forms

• salinity, noun

Other Words From

• sa·lin·i·ty [s, uh, -, lin, -i-tee], noun
• hy·per·sa·line adjective
• non·sa·line adjective
• sem·i·sa·line adjective
• sub·sa·line adjective
• un·sa·line adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of saline¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English: “composed of salt,” from Latin salīnus “salty,” equivalent to sal “salt” + -īnus adjective suffix; sal, -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of saline¹

C15: from Late Latin salīnus, from Latin sal salt

Example Sentences

A concern is that brine has more saline than seawater, giving it the potential to disrupt marine life in sensitive areas.

From Science Daily

The IV saline, dextrose and sterile water fluids provide hydration before surgery or childbirth, as well as provide life-support for babies born prematurely and for others with life-threatening conditions like sepsis, a dangerous blood condition.

From Salon

She cries loudly as a nurse attaches a saline drip to her body.

From BBC

Most of the wells or boreholes that used to give them fresh water have now turned saline, forcing them to look for alternative sources of drinking water.

From BBC

The Caribbean side became warmer, more saline, and nutrient-poor, while the Tropical Eastern Pacific experiences variable temperatures, strong tides, and high nutrient levels.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• briny