: 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
Hantavirus is transmitted to humans via rodent urine, saliva and droppings.
—
Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
The virus is largely transmitted from contact between humans and rodents, such as rats and mice, particularly with exposure to urine, droppings and saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
Arakawa died from Hantavirus, which is a rare disease that humans can contract from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
However, the saliva microbiome was the most responsive.
—Paul McClure 06, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saliva
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Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
The virus is largely transmitted from contact between humans and rodents, such as rats and mice, particularly with exposure to urine, droppings and saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
Arakawa died from Hantavirus, which is a rare disease that humans can contract from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
However, the saliva microbiome was the most responsive.
—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 23 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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