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 of saliva

• drool
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Rabies is nearly 100% fatal after the onset of symptoms, and humans are generally exposed via the saliva of wild animals. — Eva Flowe october 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

According to the news release, rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, or when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open wound or a mammal's eyes, nose or mouth. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Sjögren’s disease affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, resulting in symptoms including dry mouth and dry eyes as well as joint pain, rashes, dry skin, fatigue and more, according to the NIDCR. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

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