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

Menopause is linked both to a drop in the production of saliva and a change in its composition, Bupa Dental Care hygienist and head of hygiene and therapy Caitlin Miller told me. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Mumps is spread through respiratory droplets or saliva. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024

Short-term potential side effects of nicotine gum include mouth irritation, a bad taste in the mouth, too much saliva, blisters, hiccups, gastrointestinal symptoms, light-headedness, and a rapid heart rate. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

IgA is also present in tears, saliva, breast milk, and mucus. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 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