D
Dicread
HomeDictionarySsaliva

saliva

saliva
Noun

This term refers specifically to the biological fluid produced by salivary glands. It carries a clinical or physiological connotation, often associated with the initial stages of digestion or the physical response to anticipation, such as when an animal salivates at the sight of food.

As a mass noun, it is treated as uncountable. It does not have a plural form in standard usage; instead, quantities are described using partitive phrases like a drop of saliva or an amount of saliva.

Meanings

Nounsaliva

The watery liquid secreted into the mouth by the glands, containing enzymes that begin the process of digestion.

The doctor collected a sample of saliva for the DNA test.

Examples

Dogs produce a lot of saliva.

My mouth has no saliva.

Saliva helps us swallow.

He wiped the saliva from his chin.

The baby had saliva on his shirt.

I felt the saliva in my mouth.

The smell of steak makes my saliva flow.

Gourmet

Dry mouth occurs when the body lacks saliva.

Health

The vampire licked the saliva off his lips.

Fantasy

The forensic team analyzed the saliva on the glass.

Detective

Certain enzymes in human saliva break down starches.

Trivia
Health

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error