αλμυρό
Wordform Details
Translation: saltysaline
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αλμυρός
Translation: salty; briny; saline (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἁλμυρός (halmuros), derived from ἅλς (hals) meaning 'salt' or 'sea'. The root is related to Latin 'sal' and English 'salt'. The Greek word preserves the ancient connection between salt and the sea, as ἅλς meant both.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'all-marine' (αλμυρός) as relating to sea salt
- Remember that Greek sailors were surrounded by 'αλμυρό νερό' (salty water)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Often used metaphorically to describe high prices in Modern Greek. Very common in Greek cuisine discussions and when describing Mediterranean food.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While αλμυρός means 'salty', αλεύρι means 'flour'. They may sound similar to beginners.
This word:
Το φαγητό είναι αλμυρό.
The food is salty.
Confused word:
Χρειάζομαι αλεύρι για το κέικ.
I need flour for the cake.
Notes: Both words are common in cooking contexts but have completely different meanings
Mnemonic: αλμυρός has μ (m) for 'marine/maritime' (salty sea), while αλεύρι has ύ for 'flour'