salt pan

noun

1. an undrained natural depression, as a crater or tectonic basin, in which the evaporation of water leaves a deposit of salt.

salt pan

1. A small, undrained, shallow depression in which water accumulates, evaporates, and deposits salt.

2. A small lake of brackish water occupying such a depression.

Word History and Origins

Origin of salt pan¹

First recorded in 1485–95