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

The infected birds spread the virus through their saliva, mucus and feces. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

The acidity and salts from your saliva can strip away moisture. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024

This disease is a deadly neurological malady that can spread among deer, elk, and moose populations though contact with saliva, blood, urine, or feces. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024

Rabies is transmitted through saliva, most likely through a bite from an infected creature, Solis said. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 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