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

• salivary adjective

Etymology

Origin of saliva

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

Example Sentences

Screening may be done non-invasively, via saliva or a cheek swab, and women who get a negative result are cleared to compete for the rest of their lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

"The IOC considers that SRY gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods," it said.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Eva spit, and her saliva was neon orange.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

Researchers have found that arginine, an amino acid naturally present in saliva, plays an important role in reducing tooth decay.

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2026

Flinging himself upon the rough fibers, he held the bread to his nose, and its yeasty fragrance brought the saliva rushing into his mouth.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw