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
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

The Connecticut Department of Public Health State Public Health Laboratory tests animals for the rabies virus only if a person had a bite or saliva exposure. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025

Rabies is transmitted through bites or saliva and can be fatal without treatment. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025

Their skin sheddings, waste (droppings), eggs, and saliva trigger allergies and asthma. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 10 July 2025

These resemble pencil-sized tunnels made of soil and termite saliva, often on walls or foundations. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

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