# salinity

/səˈɫɪnəˌti/ (US) · /seɪlˈɪnɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/salinity
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the amount of salt in a liquid, like water. You use this word to describe how salty the ocean or a swimming pool is.

For teachers: the concentration of dissolved salts in a solution, typically measured in parts per thousand. Often used in the context of oceanography or aquatic biology.

## Examples

- The salinity of the ocean is much higher than that of a lake.
- Fish in the Great Salt Lake have adapted to survive in water with extremely high salinity.
- Marine biologists monitor the salinity of coastal waters to track the impact of freshwater runoff from melting glaciers on local ecosystems.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.