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

Jurors at Manchester Crown Court heard that DNA from Quinn's saliva was found on a vest the victim was wearing on the night.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Hantavirus is initially contracted by humans through inhalation of particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of a rodent.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Hantavirus spreads from the urine, faeces and saliva of infected rodents and is endemic in Argentina, where the MV Hondius set sail on April 1 for a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Verde.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

With other hantaviruses, infections occur when a person is exposed to or inhales the dried droppings, urine or saliva of infected rodents.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

It licked his wrist, and the saliva shone like a glowworm on his skin.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell