saliva

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Pronunciation

• enPR: sə-līʹ-və, IPA: /səˈlaɪvə/

Noun

saliva

1. (physiology) A clear, slightly alkaline liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands, consisting of water, mucin, protein, and enzymes. It moistens the mouth, lubricates ingested food, and begins the breakdown of starches.

   Synonyms: spit, spittle

Related terms

• salivation

Translations

• French: salive
• German: Speichel
• Italian: saliva
• Portuguese: saliva
• Russian: слюна́
• Spanish: saliva

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