First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
saliva
noun sa·li·va \sə-ˈlī-və\
: the liquid produced in your mouth that keeps your mouth moist and makes it easier to swallow food
Full Definition of SALIVA
: 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
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Origin of SALIVA
Latin
Rhymes with SALIVA
SALIVA Defined for Kids
saliva
noun sa·li·va \sə-ˈlī-və\
Definition of SALIVA for Kids
: a watery fluid that moistens chewed food and contains enzymes which break down starch and that is secreted into the mouth from three pairs of glands near the mouth
Medical Dictionary
saliva
noun sa·li·va \sə-ˈlī-və\
Medical Definition of SALIVA
: 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
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