salutation - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

From Middle English salutacioun, from Old French salutacion, from Latin salutatio (“a greeting, a wishing health to”), from saluto (“wish one’s health, greet”), from salus (“well-being”). Compare the Latin greeting salve (literally “be well”).

salutation (countable and uncountable, plural salutations)

  1. A greeting, salute, or address; a hello.
    1. A conventional greeting that begins a letter, such as "Dear Sir".
  2. The act of greeting.
    • 1791, John Walker, A Critical Pronouncing Dictionary […] ‎[1], London: Sold by G. G. J. and J. Robinſon, Paternoſter Row; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, →OCLC, page 550:
      Welcome, we²l'ku²m. a.
      Received with gladneſs, admitted willingly, grateful […]
      Welcome, we²l'ku²m. interj.
      A form of ſalutation uſed to a new comer.
  3. (obsolete) Quickening; excitement.

act of greeting

title

Borrowed from Latin salutātiōnem.

salutation f (plural salutations)

  1. greeting
  2. (letter-writing) valediction, complimentary close