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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• salivary adjective

Etymology

Origin of saliva

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

Example Sentences

Olympics and beyond will be determined by a one-time genetics test through saliva, a cheek swab or a blood sample.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

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

Researchers can also accidentally introduce DNA from their own skin cells or saliva.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

Stool, blood and saliva samples from volunteer participants will be analysed to build "an immunological profile" of both diseases.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Captain Snow licked saliva from the edges of his beak.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques