saline

word

/səˈɫin/
suh-LEEN
/sˈeɪlaɪn/
SAY-lyn

Definition

Saline usually means a fluid that contains salt, especially used in medicine, or describes something that contains or relates to salt.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in medical contexts for 'saline solution' (salt in water, for IV fluids, cleaning wounds, contact lenses). As an adjective, 'saline' describes salty environments like 'saline lakes.' Not used for table salt or salty taste in general food.

Example Sentences

The nurse gave me a saline injection.

basic

Doctors often use saline to clean wounds.

basic

There is a saline lake near the town.

basic

Can you pass me the saline for my contact lenses?

natural

This area has saline soil, so only certain plants grow here.

natural

The doctor hooked up a bag of saline to my IV drip.

natural