saliva

American  

[suh-lahy-vuh] / səˈlaɪ və /

noun

1. 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.

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saliva British  

/ səˈlaɪvə, səˈlaɪvərɪ, ˈsælɪvərɪ /

noun

1. 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

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saliva Scientific  

/ sə-lī′və /

1. 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.

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saliva Cultural  

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• salivary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of saliva

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

Explanation

The watery stuff in your mouth is called saliva. Saliva helps you swallow, but it can also be used to prep a spit ball. You might know saliva as spit — but officially, when you spit, you spit saliva. There are special glands inside your mouth that produce saliva, which helps you chew and swallow, and also contains enzymes that start breaking down your food so it can be digested. Saliva is a Latin word, meaning "spittle," but its origin beyond that is a mystery.

Example Sentences

Two People Exchanging Saliva, a 36-minute dystopian French-language film, saw co-directors Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh excitedly take to the stage.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Saliva has been explored as an alternative way to track important biomarkers, including glucose.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2023

Saliva also needs time to neutralize the acids in the mouth that can break down the enamel.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Saliva helps strengthen your teeth by depositing minerals that bacteria may have eaten away overnight.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2022

I jumped out of the tree, almost landing on Rufus the Saliva Factory, because I felt like I’d gotten a shock right through me.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan