saline

1 of 2

adjective

sa·​line ˈsā-ˌlēn How to pronounce saline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce saline (audio)
Synonyms of salinenext
1
: consisting of or containing salt
a saline solution
2
: of, relating to, or resembling salt : salty
a saline taste
3
: consisting of or relating to the salts of the alkali metals or of magnesium
a saline cathartic
salinity
sā-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce saline (audio)
sə-
noun

saline

2 of 2

noun

1
: a metallic salt
especially : a salt of potassium, sodium, or magnesium with a cathartic action
2
: a saline solution
especially : one isosmotic with body fluids

Synonyms of saline

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Adjective

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Examples of saline in a Sentence

Adjective tears are saline
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The spa, with its 82-foot saline pool, is dreamy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 The organic vineyards stretch across three distinct plains of the island, producing the pale, saline rosés and whites that Provence does better than anywhere. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Noun
Look for soft smoke, vanilla, citrus, saline, grape jelly, and cherry on the palate. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 May 2026 During a session, the molecule is mixed with saline and dripped into a vein over one to four hours. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for saline

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French salin, from Latin salinus, from sal salt — more at salt

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of saline was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing saline

Rhymes for saline

See All Rhymes for saline

Browse Nearby Words

salination
saline
saline dome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saline. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

saline

adjective
sa·​line
ˈsā-ˌlēn, 
-ˌlīn
1
: consisting of or containing salt
a saline solution
2
: of, relating to, or resembling salt
salinity
sā-ˈlin-ət-ē, 
sə-
noun

Medical Definition

saline

1 of 2 adjective
sa·​line ˈsā-ˌlēn How to pronounce saline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce saline (audio)
1
: consisting of or containing salt
a saline solution
2
: of, relating to, or resembling salt : salty
a saline taste
3
: consisting of or relating to the salts especially of lithium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium
a saline cathartic
4
: relating to or being abortion induced by the injection of a highly concentrated saline solution into the amniotic sac
saline amniocentesis

saline

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: a metallic salt
especially : a salt of potassium, sodium, or magnesium with a cathartic action
b
: an aqueous solution of one or more such salts
2
: a saline solution used in physiology
especially : physiological saline

More from Merriam-Webster on saline

Nglish: Translation of saline for Spanish Speakers

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