saliva

sa·li·va

noun \sə-ˈlī-və\

Definition of SALIVA

: 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

Examples of SALIVA

1. <our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner>

Origin of SALIVA

Latin

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SALIVA

Synonyms

drool, slaver, slobber, spit, spittle

Related Words

foam, froth; expectoration, salivation, sputum

Rhymes with SALIVA

Godiva

sa·li·va

noun \sə-ˈlī-və\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SALIVA

: 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

saliva

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Thick, colourless fluid constantly present in the mouth, composed of water, mucus, proteins, mineral salts, and amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starches. One to two litres are produced daily by the salivary glands. Small amounts are continually discharged into the mouth, but the presence, smell, or even thought of food increases flow. Saliva's main function is to keep the inside of the mouth moist, making speech more fluid, dissolving food molecules for taste, and easing swallowing. It also helps control the body's water balance, since lack of it stimulates thirst when water intake has been low. Saliva reduces dental caries and infection by removing food debris, dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells.