salivate

[sal-uh-veyt]

verb (used without object)

salivated, salivating 

1. to produce saliva.

verb (used with object)

salivated, salivating 

1. to produce an excessive secretion of saliva in, as by mercurial poisoning.

salivate

/ ˈsælɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to secrete saliva, esp an excessive amount

2. (tr) to cause (a laboratory animal, etc) to produce saliva, as by the administration of mercury

Other Word Forms

• salivation noun
• unsalivated adjective
• unsalivating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of salivate¹

1650–60; < Latin salīvātus (past participle of salīvāre to cause to salivate); saliva, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

With new, deep-pocketed buyers of film and TV projects taking charge of a major studio, sellers are salivating, even as the company’s employees brace for a significant wave of layoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Her comments prompted a GOP operative who is aiding the opposition campaign to the ballot measure to say, “It made me salivate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Because there is no Obama case, and so no “justice” for the salivating base.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was sweating, salivating and struggling to concentrate."

From BBC

It’s not a surprise that right-wing ministers are salivating at the chance to cater to powerful politicians while simultaneously keeping more money in their pockets.

From Salon

Related Words

• froth