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salivary
adjective
sal·i·vary
ˈsa-lə-ˌver-ē
: 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
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
This anti-bitter effect of saliva from experienced rats appears to be caused by salivary proteins: filtering the saliva to remove proteins abolishes the protective effect.
—Chris Gorski, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for salivary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'salivary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1709, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing salivary
Dictionary Entries Near salivary
Cite this Entry
“Salivary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salivary. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
salivary
adjective
sal·i·vary
ˈsal-ə-ˌver-ē
: of or relating to saliva or the salivary glands
Medical Definition
salivary
adjective
sal·i·vary
ˈsal-ə-ˌver-ē
: of or relating to saliva or the glands that secrete it
especially
: producing or carrying saliva
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