The term 'salutation' refers to a gesture or remark made as a greeting or acknowledgment. It is often used in the context of written communication, such as the opening line of a letter or email, where you might say "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]." Salutations can also include verbal greetings, like "Good morning" or "How are you?"
The word 'salutation' comes from the Latin word 'salutationem,' which means 'greeting.' This, in turn, is derived from 'salutare,' meaning 'to greet' or 'to make safe,' which is related to 'salus,' meaning 'health' or 'well-being.'