A greeting or gesture used to welcome or acknowledge someone, like saying 'hello' or raising your hand.
From Latin salutatio, derived from salutare meaning 'to greet' and ultimately from salus meaning 'health' or 'safety.' Romans would greet by wishing good health. The word evolved to mean any formal or polite greeting.
When Romans said 'salutatio,' they were literally wishing someone health—'salus' is the root—which is why 'salute' and 'saline' (healthy salt water) come from the same source. Today we still greet by wanting wellness for others, even if we're not thinking about health anymore.
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