saliva — the watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing and swallowing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing and swallowing
Pronunciation (IPA): /səˈlaɪvə/
Example Sentences
- The dentist asked me to spit out excess saliva during the procedure.
- My dog's saliva covered my face after he gave me enthusiastic kisses.
- Scientists can extract DNA from saliva samples for genetic testing.
saliva
NOUN[/səˈlaɪvə/]
the watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing and swallowing
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin saliva, meaning 'spittle' or 'saliva'. The Romans recognized the physiological importance of saliva, and the term became formally established in medical and biological terminology as these disciplines developed.
Breakdown
saliva (Latin: direct noun meaning 'spittle' or 'mouth secretion'). The word entered English unchanged from its Latin form, preserving its original anatomical meaning.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The dentist asked me to spit out excess saliva during the procedure.”
“My dog's saliva covered my face after he gave me enthusiastic kisses.”
“Scientists can extract DNA from saliva samples for genetic testing.”
“The smell of pizza made my mouth water and increased saliva production.”
📚Related Words
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