Search Dictionary
Definition of saliva

saliva

/səˈlaɪ.və/
sa · li · va
Plural:salivas
•
Adjective:salivary
JUMP TO:

saliva Lexical Profile

saliva Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing and swallowing, and aiding digestion.

Example

"The enzymes present in human saliva begin breaking down starches as soon as food enters the mouth."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for saliva

• Rhymes for saliva

• Nearby Words

salinity
salisbury
salisbury steak
saliva
salivary
salivate
salivation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French salive or directly from Latin saliva, meaning "spittle" or "slime".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Saliva. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/saliva
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.