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

The researchers measured the participants’ stress responses, including their heart rate and salivary cortisol levels, before and after the test. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026

This copy number variation correlates directly with salivary amylase protein levels — more copies, more enzyme, more starch-digesting capacity. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Some surgeons place a drain under the platysma to guard against salivary leaks. — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 14 May 2026

Just as blood tests help identify problems with cholesterol or liver disease, salivary tests could become another way for busy people to keep tabs on their health — potentially during a dentist visit. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing salivary

• salivary gland

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