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

Infected birds transmit the bird flu through their saliva, mucus and feces, the CDC said. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025

The virus can be transmitted via droppings, urine, blood and saliva. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025

In the early 2000s, new genetic sequencing methods led scientists to find yet more viruses in saliva, blood and stool. —Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Stool, saliva, and cheek samples were collected from each participant at baseline, after the elimination diet, immediately after the diet intervention and then 14 days after the intervention. —Paul McClure 06, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 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