Definition

A small container or dish used to hold and serve salt, typically found on dining tables.

Example

Please pass the saltcellar so I can season my food.

Conversation

Have you seen my saltcellar? I can't find it anywhere.

I think I saw it on the kitchen counter earlier.

Oh, that makes sense! I probably just overlooked it.

Yeah, it's easy to miss things when you're in a rush.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Saltcellar → The word is formed from "salt" (from Old English *sealt*, meaning a mineral substance used for seasoning) and "cellar" (from Old French *celier*, meaning a storeroom or place for storage). A saltcellar is a container or holder for salt, typically used at the dining table.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'storeroom' ('cellar') for 'salt' — that's what a saltcellar is, a place to keep salt.

Visually Confused Words