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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

saliva

/səˈlaɪvə/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:05
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What does saliva mean?

noun

  1. A clear, slightly alkaline liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands, consisting of water, mucin, protein, and enzymes. It moistens the mouth, lubricates ingested food, and begins the breakdown of starches.

verb

  1. to salivate

proper noun

  1. Alternative form of Saliba (“language”).

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/səˈlaɪvə/

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

The image of something which has been experienced arouses an excitement akin to the secretion of saliva at the thought of food.
Abraham MyersonThe Foundations of PersonalityProject Gutenberg ebook #1575
This material is the usual mortar, made of earth mixed with saliva, but on this occasion with no small stones in it.
Jean-Henri FabreThe Mason-BeesTranslated by Alexander Teixeira de MattosProject Gutenberg ebook #2884
More book examples (1)
There is generally a considerable flow of saliva, and he has frequently a more loose state of bowels than is his wont.
Pye Henry ChavasseAdvice to a Mother on the Management of Her ChildrenProject Gutenberg ebook #6595