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

These compounds, which look like rings at the molecular level, interact with proteins in your saliva to produce a dry, astringent sensation that makes your mouth pucker. —Rosemary Trout, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024

Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria, Bordetella pertussis, which can spread from person to person through the air via droplets of saliva, according to the DHS. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024

Anyone can be part of a bone marrow registry by simply donating a swab of saliva taken from the inside of the mouth for a DNA sample. —Nicole Gregory, Orange County Register, 19 Nov. 2024

What are the benefits of fluoride? Mouths teem with bacteria, which produce acid in saliva. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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