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

Example Sentences

Then said Nqong from his bath in the salt-pan, "Come and ask me about it to-morrow, because I'm going to wash."

From Project Gutenberg

Livingstone found that in every salt pan of the country there is a spring of water on one side.

From Project Gutenberg

Livingstone discovered one large salt pan with a deposit of salt an inch and a half in thickness.

From Project Gutenberg

In great glee Ellen danced along, luckily needing no entertainment from Mr. Van Brunt, who was devoted to his salt-pan.

From Project Gutenberg

Put him on Juan Fernandez, and he would make a spelling-book first, and a salt-pan afterwards.

From Project Gutenberg