salute vs salutation

salute and salutation both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
salute	Yes	No	Yes	No
salutation	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, salute and salutation are synonyms defined as:

As nouns, salutation is a hypernym of salute; that is, salutation is a word with a broader meaning than salute:

salute: a formal military gesture of respect
salutation: (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

Other hypernyms of salute include greeting.

As nouns, salutation is a hypernym of salute; that is, salutation is a word with a broader meaning than salute:

salute: an act of greeting with friendly words and gestures like bowing or lifting the hat
salutation: (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

Other hypernyms of salute include greeting.

salute (noun)	salutation (noun)
an act of honor or courteous recognition	(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
a formal military gesture of respect	an act of honor or courteous recognition
an act of greeting with friendly words and gestures like bowing or lifting the hat	word of greeting used to begin a letter

salute (verb)	salutation (verb)
greet in a friendly way
recognize with a gesture prescribed by a military regulation; assume a prescribed position
honor with a military ceremony, as when honoring dead soldiers
express commendation of
propose a toast to
become noticeable