saliva(n = noun.body) spit, spittle - a clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches;
is a kind of secretion
is a part of salivary gland
has particulars: dribble, drivel, drool, slobber, tobacco juice
Derived forms adjective salivary1, verb salivate1
The secretion from the salivary glands. [1913 Webster]
" In man the saliva is a more or less turbid and slighty viscid fluid, generally of an alkaline reaction, and is secreted by the parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual glands. In the mouth the saliva is mixed with the secretion from the buccal glands. The secretions from the individual salivary glands have their own special characteristics, and these are not the same in all animals. In man and many animals mixed saliva, i.e., saliva composed of the secretions of all three of the salivary glands, is an important digestive fluid on account of the presence of the peculiar enzyme, ptyalin." [1913 Webster]
saliva, n. liquid secreted into the mouth by glands to provide moisture and facilitate chewing and swallowing.
Idiom:
saliva test a scientific test requiring a saliva sample.
Derivative:
salivary adj.
Etymology:
ME f. L
N excretion, discharge, emanation, exhalation, exudation, extrusion, secretion, effusion, extravasation, ecchymosis, evacuation, dejection, faeces, excrement, shit, stools, crap, bloody flux, cacation, coeliac-flux, coeliac- passion, dysentery, perspiration, sweat, subation, exudation, diaphoresis, sewage, eccrinology, saliva, spittle, rheum, ptyalism, salivation, catarrh, diarrhoea, ejecta, egesta, sputa, excreta, lava, exuviae, hemorrhage, bleeding, outpouring.
N lubrication, smoothness, unctuousness, lubrication, lubrification, anointment, oiling, synovia, glycerine, oil, lubricating oil, grease, saliva, lather, teflon, lubricated, lubricous.