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Definition of "saliva" [sa•li•va]

  • The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food, moistens the oral walls, and contains ptyalin. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "saliva" in a sentence
  • "The procedure bathes the eye in saliva, which is mostly water but also contains a mild thickening protein called muscin, which could help the eye retain moisture better."
  • "During the Nazi occupation of Poland, people frequently sent postcards containing hidden messages written in saliva and even urine."
  • "The tabloid Expressen says hairs and saliva from a moose — aka a European elk — were found on the victim's clothes."