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

Saliva test for breast cancer University of Florida researchers have improved a handheld device to detect breast cancer in saliva, simplifying the design and confirming its accuracy. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025

Conditions like acid reflux, dry mouth and eating disorders can accelerate enamel loss as well by increasing acid exposure or reducing saliva, which normally helps neutralize harmful acids. —Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

This transmission occurs through the tick’s saliva, which enters the host’s bloodstream during feeding. —Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025

Testing also identified saliva on the shirt, although Ibar was excluded as being the contributor — which the defense alleges would be impossible because the assailant wiped his face with the shirt on the video. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 June 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