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 participants then chewed each type of gum for four minutes—and some for an extra 20 minutes—while researchers collected saliva samples at various points. —Julia Ries, Health, 1 Apr. 2025

Ducky was trained by the M.D. Dogs Inc. program, which teaches dogs to smell high and low blood sugars through saliva samples. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025

Hantavirus can infect humans through contact with rodents – most commonly through the deer mouse in the United States – especially when exposed to their urine, droppings and saliva, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025

The company can collect saliva or sweat samples from clients like the young boy. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saliva

• godiva
• conjunctiva
• conjunctivae

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