saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (such as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

Synonyms of saliva

• drool
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Sjögren’s disease affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, resulting in symptoms including dry mouth and dry eyes as well as joint pain, rashes, dry skin, fatigue and more, according to the NIDCR. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

How the oral-gut axis actually works The oral-gut axis is a two-way communication network between the mouth and the digestive system that moves through the bloodstream, saliva and the gut-brain axis. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026

By soaking betel nuts in artificial saliva, the authors concluded that this would release enough arecoline to alter brain function, although the psychoactive effects would be milder. — ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saliva

• godiva
• conjunctiva
• conjunctivae

Kids Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands

Medical Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches