The Spanish word 'salud' meaning 'health' comes from the Latin word 'salus', which meant 'health' or 'well-being'. 'Salus' itself derived from the Latin adjective 'salvus', meaning 'safe, unharmed, well'. This shows how the concept of being safe or unharmed became closely associated with the notion of health and well-being in the development of the Spanish language.

Several common Spanish words share this Latin root, including 'saludable' (healthy), 'saludar' (to greet - originally wishing health to someone), and 'salvador' (savior - one who keeps others safe). The greeting '¡Salud!' used when toasting is literally wishing health to others, similar to saying 'Cheers!' in English.

English has several words that share the same Latin root, including 'salutary' (beneficial to health), 'salubrious' (health-giving), and 'salute' (which, like Spanish 'saludar', originally meant to wish someone health and well-being). The word 'safe' itself comes from Latin 'salvus', though through a different path. Even the common English word 'salvation' is related, as it originally referred to being kept safe and well.