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

• unsalivated adjective
• unsalivating adjective
• salivation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of salivate¹

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

Example Sentences

I try not to salivate as fresh steam curls up from the pan.

Read more on Literature

Penelope looked at the quartet of panting, salivating beasts; the icy feeling at the back of her neck returned.

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Many in the industry are practically salivating at the prospect of the advertising bonanza a visit from Kelce could entail—especially if Swift were to tag along.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Nebraska ’82,” the 37-track collection, clears the vaults for fans who have been salivating to hear the fabled “electric” recordings with the E Street Band.

Read more on Salon

Just writing about these sour belts is making me salivate.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• froth