An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A crystalline compound, sodium chloride, NaCl, occurring as a mineral, used for food seasoning and preservation.
   
2. Chem.: A solid compound formed when the hydrogen of an acid has been replaced by a metal.

Etymology (EN): O.E. sealt; cf. O.N., O.Fris., Goth. salt, Du. zout, Ger. Salz from PIE *sal- “salt;” cf.
Gk. hals (genitive halos) “salt, sea;” L. sal; O.Ir. salann; Welsh halen;
O.C.S. sali “salt.”

Etymology (PE): Namak “salt;” Mid.Pers. namak “salt.”