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
See Examples of SALIVA
- <our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner>
Origin of SALIVA
Latin
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to SALIVA
Rhymes with SALIVA
Learn More About SALIVA
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up saliva? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
