saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (such as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

Synonyms

• drool
• slaver
• slobber
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

While Trump has so far evaded hungry sharks, lethal batteries, desert heat and Paul Ryan’s saliva, one of his leading conspiracy theories has not been as lucky. —Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 14 June 2024

Infected birds shed the viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces, meaning other birds can contract the virus through contact with those fluids directly or via contact with a contaminated surface. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 29 May 2024

Your dog's gumline and saliva will dry and sticky if severely dehydrated. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 1 May 2024

Swans use a special oil gland and their saliva to keep their feathers white. —Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands

Medical Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches