The New York Times Crossword · 60-Down · 4 letters
The word “salary” derives from the Latin for this The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
Answer
SALT
Why SALT fits
SALARY comes through Latin salarium, a word traditionally connected with sal, meaning SALT. The exact historical reason for that connection is debated, but the shared Latin root supplies the crossword answer.
Clue signal
“Derives from the Latin” asks for an etymological source rather than a modern synonym.
SALT meaning
The mineral named by the Latin word “sal,” traditionally linked to the history of “salary.”
Where this clue appeared
60-Down in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 19, 2026.
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