saliva
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //səˈɫaɪvə// UK //sɐlˈaɪvɐ// sali·va
n. the watery liquid that is made in your mouth. It helps you swallow food and keeps your mouth wet.
n. the watery secretion produced by the salivary glands in the mouth of humans and other animals. It facilitates the lubrication of food for swallowing and initiates the digestion of starches.
The smell of fresh bread made his mouth fill with saliva.
The doctor took a sample of her saliva to test for certain hormones and health markers.
In many mammals, saliva contains specific enzymes like amylase that begin the chemical breakdown of food before it even reaches the stomach.
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; rarely used in the plural except in specific medical or biological contexts.