: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (such as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches
Examples of saliva in a Sentence
our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner
Recent Examples on the Web
Infected birds transmit the bird flu through their saliva, mucus and feces, the CDC said.
—
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
The virus can be transmitted via droppings, urine, blood and saliva.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
In the early 2000s, new genetic sequencing methods led scientists to find yet more viruses in saliva, blood and stool.
—Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Stool, saliva, and cheek samples were collected from each participant at baseline, after the elimination diet, immediately after the diet intervention and then 14 days after the intervention.
—Paul McClure 06, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
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Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
The virus can be transmitted via droppings, urine, blood and saliva.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
In the early 2000s, new genetic sequencing methods led scientists to find yet more viruses in saliva, blood and stool.
—Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Stool, saliva, and cheek samples were collected from each participant at baseline, after the elimination diet, immediately after the diet intervention and then 14 days after the intervention.
—Paul McClure 06, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saliva
Cite this Entry
“Saliva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saliva. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
saliva
noun
sa·li·va
sə-ˈlī-və 
: a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands
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