salivary

adjective

sal·​i·​vary ˈsa-lə-ˌver-ē How to pronounce salivary (audio)
: of or relating to saliva or the glands that secrete it
especially : producing or carrying saliva

Examples of salivary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
New research indicates that early duplications of the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) may have started more than 800,000 years ago, long before humans began to farm. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Oct. 2024 With genetic analysis, the team found that about 12,000 years ago, humans across Europe had an average of four copies of the salivary amylase gene. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Sep. 2024 In a study that pitted gum chewers against non-chewers, measuring and comparing their alertness, stress and anxiety levels, the findings revealed that as well as improved focus, the chewers had lower levels of salivary cortisol levels compared to non-chewers. Georgia Day, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2023 Her friend Diana Byer, the founder and former artistic director of New York Theater Ballet, said the cause was salivary cancer. Claudia Bauer, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for salivary 

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of salivary was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near salivary

Cite this Entry

“Salivary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salivary. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

salivary

adjective
sal·​i·​vary ˈsal-ə-ˌver-ē How to pronounce salivary (audio)
: of or relating to saliva or the salivary glands

Medical Definition

salivary

adjective
sal·​i·​vary ˈsal-ə-ˌver-ē How to pronounce salivary (audio)
: of or relating to saliva or the glands that secrete it
especially : producing or carrying saliva

More from Merriam-Webster on salivary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!