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

It is generally spread by sharing saliva or spit and requires close contact. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2025

In this case, the doctors theorize that the tick may have bitten the woman's eardrum, creating a tiny tear or perforation that allowed the saliva enzymes to inflame the tissue. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

The illness is spread by the Marburg virus, which is found in the urine, saliva and excrement of Egyptian rousette bats. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

This important liquid contributes to a number of essential functions, such as regulating body temperature, flushing out waste, acting as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord, making saliva, and lubricating the joints. —New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2025

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