ˌsalyəˈtāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English salutacioun, from Latin salutation-, salutatio, from salutatus (past participle of salutare to salute) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at salute
1.
a. : an act or action of saluting (as by expressing goodwill or courtesy)
the polite salutations of the lounging natives — Mary Austin
b. : a gesture or ceremony (as a bow, kiss, or handshake) of greeting
all classes … observe the old forms of salutation : men embrace — American Guide Series: Texas
c. : a speech of honor or praise : tribute
the speaker's salutation to the modern dance
d. : salute 4
salutation to the flag
e. : the word or phrase (as Dear Sir or Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen ) that conventionally comes immediately before the body of a letter or at the opening of a speech and that expresses the writer's or speaker's greeting to the person addressed
2. archaic : a naval salute (as by the firing of guns or lowering of flags)
• sal·u·ta·tion·al | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|tāshən ə l, -shnəl adjective