saliva

[ suh-lahy-vuh ]
/ səˈlaɪ və /

noun

a viscid, watery fluid, secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands, that functions in the tasting, chewing, and swallowing of food, moistens the mouth, and starts the digestion of starches.

Origin of saliva

First recorded in 1670–80, saliva is from the Latin word salīva

OTHER WORDS FROM saliva

sal·i·var·y [sal-uh-ver-ee] /ˈsæl əˌvɛr i/, adjective

Words nearby saliva

salisbury, salisbury plain, salisbury steak, salish, salishan, saliva, salivant, salivary, salivary amylase, salivary digestion, salivary duct

Example sentences from the Web for salivary

British Dictionary definitions for salivary

saliva
/ (səˈlaɪvə) /

noun

the secretion of salivary glands, consisting of a clear usually slightly acid aqueous fluid of variable composition. It moistens the oral cavity, prepares food for swallowing, and initiates the process of digestion Related adjective: sialoid

Derived forms of saliva

salivary (səˈlaɪvərɪ, ˈsælɪvərɪ), adjective

Word Origin for saliva

C17: from Latin, of obscure origin

Medical definitions for salivary (1 of 2)

salivary
[ săl′ə-vĕr′ē ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or producing saliva.
Of or relating to a salivary gland.

Medical definitions for salivary (2 of 2)

saliva
[ sə-lī′və ]

n.

The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food, moistens the oral walls, and contains ptyalin.

Scientific definitions for salivary

saliva
[ sə-lī′və ]

The watery fluid that is secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands. In many animals, including humans, it contains the enzyme amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates. Saliva also contains mucus, which lubricates food for swallowing, and various proteins and mineral salts. Some special chemicals occur in the saliva of other animals, such as anticoagulants in the saliva of mosquitoes.

Cultural definitions for salivary

saliva
[ (suh-leye-vuh) ]

The fluid produced by the secretions of the salivary glands. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion of starches. It also moistens the mouth tissues and makes food easier to chew and swallow.