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Definition of salivate

salivate

/ˈsæl.ə.veɪt/
sal · i · vate
Adjective:salivary
•
Past Simple:salivated
•
Past Participle:salivated
•
Present Participle:salivating
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salivate Lexical Profile

salivate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To secrete or produce saliva, especially in excess or in anticipation of food.

Example

"The aroma of freshly baked bread caused everyone in the kitchen to salivate."

2

To display great eagerness, excitement, or greedy anticipation over something desirable.

Example

"Investors began to salivate over the prospect of record-breaking quarterly profits."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for salivate

• Rhymes for salivate

• Nearby Words

salisbury steak
saliva
salivary
salivate
salivation
salix
salk

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin salivatus, the past participle of salivare ('to spit out or secrete saliva'), derived from saliva ('spittle').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Salivate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/salivate
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