Or sodium chloride; NaCl white crystalline solid, found dissolved in sea water and as rock salt (halite) in large deposits and salt domes. Common salt is used extensively in the food industry as a preservative and for flavoring, and in the chemical industry in the making of chlorine and sodium.
While common salt is an essential part of our diet, some medical experts believe that excess salt can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks. Salt has historically been considered a sustaining substance, often taking on religious significance in ancient cultures. Roman soldiers were paid part of their wages as salt allowance (Latin salerium argentinium), hence the term “salary”.
As white crystalline solid consisting mainly of sodium chloride; SYN. sodium chloride, halite, rock salt.